[an error occurred while processing this directive]

The NET Command

NET Command Syntax Chart

The following chart can be used as a quick reference to the options available from the NET command. The NET Command Syntax Chart itself is available on-line using the NET KEY command.

Symbols	Purpose
{ }	Braces indicate a parameter you must use
[ ]	Brackets indicate an optional parameter
\|	Bar indicates a choice of parameters
*	Used in place of password, prompts for password
/D	Indicates that you wish to cancel a NET SHARE or NET USE
/L	Locks a NET USE command, the NET USE cannot be cancelled
/RWC	Specifies network access rights /R /W /RW /WC /RWC
d:	Indicates a drive letter from A: to Z: (LASTDRIVE= parameter must be set in your CONFIG.SYS* file if you* wish to use drives F: thru Z:)
path	Indicates a drive and directory (e.g. C:\ACCOUNTS)
password	1-8 Character password (case insensitive)
computername	1-15 Characters identifying a CLIENT or SERVER computer name
device	A DOS device name:- PRN, LPT1,2,3,4, COM1,2,3,4, AUX1,2,3,4
number	1-25 digit telephone number (may include Hayes dial syntax)
servername	1-15 characters identifying a SERVER computer name
sharename	1-16 character name that represents a DOS path or DOS device name
syspass	1-16 character password (System Administration Password)
username	1-8 character username (for use with the NET LOGON command)

You must include all punctuation (except braces, brackets and bars) such as periods, equal signs, forward slashes and backslashes, where illustrated in the syntax.

NET SEND

This command is used to send messages from the DOS command line to a single user or all users. Messages sent to a single user are known as private messages. Messages sent to all users are known as public messages.

Sending a (private) message to a single machine

Syntax: NET SEND \\computername {text message}

The following command sends the message "Hello World" to the machine known as \\SERVER1:

NET SEND \\SERVER1 Hello World

If the machine known as \\SERVER1 has pop-up messages enabled, the above message will pop-up on the screen of \\SERVER1.

If pop-up messages are disabled the user must issue the NET RECEIVE command to view the message.

Sending a (public) message to all users

Syntax: NET SEND * {text message}

The following command sends the message "Hello Everyone" to all users:

NET SEND * Hello Everyone

The maximum length of the message is 55 text characters. If the message is larger than 55 characters only the first 55 characters are transmitted.

The messaging system can be enabled, disabled and configured using the NETSETUP.EXE program.

Home