ok well i'm new to batch and i'm making a program to use at my school so i can make chatting with the "net send" easier. Im trying to get the program to be able to add users(with their computer #s) and so that when u exit the batch file and restart it the newly added usernames and computer numbers are still there. I think i might need the batch program to save the variables in a INI file. My question is: if i do that how do i retrieve them from the INI file? if i'm totally wrong can someone explain how i could do it or if i should just give up.

thanks

Why not just go to the command prompt and type this:
C:\>netsend (computer name) message

Its decided, your problem is now my project, I'm going to work on this one it sounds like a fun exercise. However you can just download a program called NetMessenger from www.snapfiles.com I believe. Its free and will do exactly the same thing.

I'd like to write this program though it would be fun to do. I'l see what I come up with. I'm not promising anything though.


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after some thinking and research
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Dude I don't think Batch File Programming is going to cut it. This would be a project for a higher level of programming instead of using a script language. Anyhow its too easy just to download a program called Freeware program called NetMessanger that will do the job. Or do as sugested and just type

Net Send <computername> <message>

I remember using this utility to cheat in our Math Class... the only problem is know I just can't find the computer names of my friend... were are they located??

To get a list of computers on a network try this

In XP:
Start > Click Network Places

Then on the left hand side, expand each little drop down menu. Then in the top drop down menu click "Show Workgroup Computers."

This will show only computers on your work group, if you don't see anyone, then click the "up a folder."

Now you'll several workgroups, click on a desired workgroup and look to see which computers are in that workgroup.

note: Workgroups are only software based networks.

What you do you mean SOTFWARE BASE NETWORKS... at school they got a combination of Several Servers and some small (Not router maybe HUB) from linksys...

A workgroup isn't a physical group of networks.

Think of it this way:

I can have 2 rooms of comptuers (ea room has 20 computers).

I can put 10 computers from Room A and 10 computers from Room B (regardless of the phyiscal hookup).

Oh okay...