How to Chat on Lan with IP Messenger (Local Network)

IP Messenger is an excellent tool for chatting on LAN or in a network with other people who are using the same software. The software can discover other users using it in the network and add them to the list.

It displays the same name one would have set when setting up their user profile in the software. It is an open-source, multi-platform messenger based on TCP/UDP. While you may not need many messenger services, this old tool still works if you want to be off the social network and have your secret chat.

How to Chat on Lan with IP Messenger (Local Network)

Chat Lan Messenger

  • Multi-Platform (Windows, macOS X, and Unix)
  • Open source and free download
  • Allows File and Folder transfer along with the network
  • Supports Broadcast Messages to a range of IP addresses
  • Quick View/Scroll more than 100,000 messages with inline images
  • High-speed incremental full-text search
  • Support to add comments/images
  • You can lock your message with a password when its sent to another user
  • You can even set your status.
  • Supports NIC extension in the latest version
  • Messages can be logged in case you accidentally close the message box
  • Shows the IP address, login user, and machine name of the other users
  • Send a message from the command prompt like this

Command-Line Options

ipmsg.exe [port] /MSG [/LOG][/SEAL] <hostname or IPaddr> <message>

C:\> ipmsg.exe /MSG /SEAL localhost Hello.

Settings and Logs

It comes with many settings, where you can set up a username, group name, and send and receive options. You can also configure the call logs. Version four offers a powerful log viewer.

Chat Lan Messenger Settings

It’s excellent software that we use in the office without any problems. It provides an easy solution because it’s fast, and we don’t get any complaints from our mail servers either. So, this could be your answer if you are looking for chat software that works on LAN. It’s free, and if I missed something, it’s also available in languages like Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese.

How to Run IP Messenger on Different Port Numbers

To run another instance, in the run dialogue, type ipmsg.exe 1518 (any port number that should not be in use). That’s it. This creates another instance. If we want the other person to exist in the same port, they must follow the same procedure. Then, both users will be listed.

Download for all platforms and languages. Size 102 KB approx.

Are you using any LAN messenger like this? What’s good about it, and what do you think this Lan Messenger doesn’t have? Please share your views with us in the comments.

Related: Best Lan Voice Chat Software for Windows PC

How to chat on LAN with LAN Messenger

The Softros LAN Messenger is an easy-to-use lightweight application designed for secure communication within LAN. This tool allows workers to talk, exchange files, and work together without needing internet services.

Softros has been created with business requirements in mind. Moreover, it contains a range of features that improve office communication. It’s compatible with Windows and can be easily installed on multiple computers across your network. Additionally, there is no need for a dedicated server, as setup and maintenance are made more accessible.

  • Securely send and receive files of any size within your LAN
  • Create topic-specific or team-based chat rooms
  • Store and search past conversations
  • Easily share your screen for demonstrations or troubleshooting
  • Send messages to offline users, delivered when they next log in
  • See at a glance who’s available, busy, or away
  • Works entirely within your local network

How to chat using Softros LAN Messenger

To get started with Softros LAN Messenger, follow the following steps:

  • Visit the official Softros website, download, and then launch the Softros LAN Messenger from your desktop or start the menu.

Open Softros LAN Messenger

  • On the first launch, you’ll be prompted to enter your display name and choose an avatar.

Enter your display name

  • The application will automatically detect other users on your LAN. Double-click a user’s name to open a chat window and begin messaging.

Open a chat window and begin messaging

For group chats:

  • Click ‘Conference’ in the main window.
  • Select ‘New Conference’ and choose participants.
  • Name your conference and click ‘OK’ to begin the group chat.

To send files:

  • In a chat window, click the ‘Send File’ button.
  • Choose the file you want to send and click ‘Open.’ You can also drag and drop your file.

Choose and Send the file

  • The recipient will be prompted to accept the file transfer.

For screen sharing:

  • Click ‘Desktop Sharing’ in the user chat room.
  • Users will be prompted for Remote assistance.

Go to the options menu to customize your experience. Here, you can set the notification sounds that best suit you. You can also change the interface theme and manage everything about your message history.

79 COMMENTS

  1. in my macbook pro,running osx10.5.4,the messenger isn’t detecting any contacts(except for my own name). what could be the problem?
    i have successfully sent messages to myself over it.
    thank you.
    my ipm version is 0.9.0
    thank you

  2. My service provider has blocked the port which IP messenger uses.
    Can anyone tell me how do i change the port which IP messenger uses or another IP messenger which uses a differrent port

  3. I have got two series of Ip one in 192… & another in 10….. since I have two network addresses I have entered all the ip’s of 192… into 10…. and in 10…. series i have entered 192… series ip now the problem is >> on some machines of windows Xp in the network 192…. I am not able to see the ip’s of 10…. Please give suggestion how to overcome this problem.

  8. i am using xp professional,the messenger isn’t detecting any contacts(except for my own name). what could be the problem?
    plz solve it man..

  10. Can u please suggest me how to add an ip of a systems which is in intranet but not at same locations.

  14. I’m using Vista Business and the IP messenger isn’t detecting any contacts except for my own and in case it does then the file transfer doesn’t work, can someone please help me with this?

    Thanks in advance!

  15. @DD have you trieed including IP Ranges ? I would also ask you to check if there any problem with IP flushing. Read the comments and you should get more hints.

  17. We have installed this s/w on all machines in LAN but it is not detecting all machines. only some machines it is showing. we have activated this on each machines.then what may be the problem?? please reply me immediately.

  18. My system shows 2 IP Addresses
    1) Main Windows XP system connected to LAN : IP starting with 10….
    2) Virtual Box Host-only Network : IP starting with 192……

    I am running windows XP system and i have a Sun VirtualBox installed on my system.

    My IPMsg on Windows is detecting VirtualBox IP instead of Windows XP IP-Address. Thus I am not able to see other system on my LAN.

    Can you please help me as how can i edit settings of IPMsg to detect Windows XP IP-adress ??

    Thanks.

  19. Further to my above question, here i am adding a little more information :

    I seem to have nailed down the problem, but don’t know exactly how to resolve it for ipmsg.

    Since i have virtual box installed on my windows xp, so my system has now 2 networks. 1) Normal LAN network and 2)Network of VirtualBox.

    Both the networks have different IP Addresses
    Now ipmsg is detecting IPAddress of my VirtualBox Network and hence it is not able to detect other systems on my LAN network.

    Now can somebody help me to configure ipmsg such that it detect my LAN network rather than my VirtualBox Network ??

    Currently one work around is – i have to disable my VirtualBox network in order to make ipmsg work on my LAN Network

    I would be thankful if someone help me configure ipmsg to detect particular network only while there are more than 1 network connections on a system.

    Thanks

  23. The messenger isn’t detecting all contacts!!
    whats IP flushing??? how do i do it??
    and how do i add someone?? i know the ip address but cannot see him

  24. Hey u cannot add ip on the software however, if you wish to view peoples on the lan you need to make sure that the first two places of the ip is the same i.e suppose ma ip is 109.25.245.10 the first two places that is 109.25. shoud be same that your friend is using…

  27. sir….im using ipmsg2.06 currently its not transversing files to another machines when im trying to send files its shows “prepare for transfer” only but not send the files ….can you please give me some valuable information to rectify this problem……

  29. hi,
    i want to used the ip messenge in my lan.but i have dial up connection,so my isp give me ip address via dhcp like

    ip -10.10.2.107
    subnetmask-255.255.255.255<<<<<<<<<<<<<look this subnetmask
    default gateway-10.10.2.1

    in such situation what should i do .

    i cant set the ip address as it is assign by isp dhcp.

    i can ping to other user in my lan which have same setting with different IP address only.

    plz need help

  30. Hello there, I had use Ip Msg in my colleage and it work very well.

    I wonder, it is possible to instal Ip Msg in my Windows Mobile PC v6.1

    I think it will be very helpful, if I can chat to my friends laptop via my handphone with this IP Msg.

    Thx a lot 🙂

  31. Ashish, this is a bit strange but is happening. I am able to recieve files over LAN from other computers but I am not able to send files. whenever i attempt to send the files, the IPMSG on the recipients computer says “Prepare for transfer” and doesnt go forward.

    any idea whats wrong?

    Thank you,
    HEmanth

  35. If you have Virtual Host installed and your IPMSG is taking th Virtual Host IP address as the primary IP. Then you need to disable the Virtual Host network.

    This can be done from ‘My Network Places’ and disable the Virtual Host network. This should solve the problem.

  36. Hi!

    My manager is currently looking for an alternative messenger that we can use in our office to chat but not to send files. Using this application, it there a way to block that feature?

    thanks in advance.

  38. i have lan in my college. Some files are easily send with ip messenger while some larger files do not get send.?

  41. hiii…my messenger isn’t detecting any contacts(except for my own name). what could be the problem?
    plzzzz help me to fix it….

  42. I would just like to ask.. I cannot connect to the computer of my office mate.. 3 computers have IP’s starting with 10.16.254… and the others are using 10.16.252.. only those with same IP’s can connect how can we resolve this.. tnx in advance..

  43. Hi guys

    In my office the engrs use 10.5.1.x 255.255.0.0 and the customer service dept use 10.3.1.x 255.255.0.0. And everyone with ipmsg in both networks can be seen on the ipmsg.

    There is another network, which is sales & marketing with 10.33.1.x but i can’t see them on my ipmsg. They can’t see me either.

    Any help with this?

  45. hii.. if i am chatting with other person on IP Msn, thn can admin check the containts of chat ? “No File Transfer” only text chat.

  48. Respected Sir,
    i’m connected two system(XP) in my room with the following setting
    My Comp
    IP Address – 192.168.0.1
    Subnet Mask – 255.255.255.0
    Default Gateway – 192.168.0.2

    2nd pc
    IP Address – 192.168.0.2
    Subnet Mask – 255.255.255.0
    Default Gateway – 192.168.0.1

    there is no any workgroup and nothing else like Modem and router
    after installing Ipmsger whenever ‘m opening the messanger window
    only 1 system is shown in a list and same situation on other system,
    and wen ‘m sending a msg the msg come itself on same system,
    what can i do,plz help me,we have to transfer the files using ipmsges between this 2 desktops…
    plz help me…

    thanx n regards
    Mohit Patil

  49. Hi my name is Ankit Jain
    my ip is 172.16.155.5
    before ip messenger us to work on my pc
    but now its only showing my name on it
    i cant see any other member
    please tell me what to do
    my email id is [email protected]
    thanx

  50. Hi my name is Ankit Jain
    my ip is 10.10.147.155
    before ip messenger us to work on my pc
    but now its only showing my name on it
    i cant see any other member
    please tell me what to do
    my email id is [email protected]
    thanx

  52. Hi,

    We are using computers on VLAN and IP addresses are configured by DHCP. I am not able to contact person belong to other VLAN. We have three departments and the IP address ranges are:

    WLAN 10.16.4.1 to 10.16.4.254
    Admin 10.16.6.1 to 10.16.6.254
    Staff 10.16.7.1 to 10.16.7.254

    If I use IPMsg in WLAN, I am not able to see the persons in Admin and Staff and same if I am on other VLAN. Please advice…

    Thanks
    Raja

  54. Hi Ashish,
    The ip address in my office computer starts with 10. I need to connect to ip addresses starting with 172. Although I have added the IPS in my list bt other than my name none of the others are visible on my list. Plese help me with the issue.
    Thanks in advance. 🙂

  56. I would like to block only file transfer through ip messenger,
    Please tell me which port is used for file transfer in Ipmessenger

  57. hiii…my messenger isn’t detecting any contacts(except for my own name)before click on refresh button,after click on refresh button no one detecting(including my name). what could be the problem?
    plzzzz help me to fix it….

  58. hi,

    Persons who couldn’t see the other members,should on their ip msg(means the sender and the receiver).you will got an ipmsg logo in your status bar.If am right this would be the problem

  59. i have mandriva os i need to install ipmessanger through wine but when i use to do it show me error
    error in RsA key and cant open ,,,,,
    tell me how to install it

  60. I have got three series of Ip one in 192.168.1.… & another in 192.168.2.…and 192.168.3. since I have three network addresses I am not able to see the user of another series…. Please give suggestion how to overcome this problem. how can i see all user of different diffrent ip.

  64. in my macbook pro,running osx10.5.4,the messenger isn’t detecting any contacts(except for my own name). what could be the problem?
    i have successfully sent messages to myself over it.
    pppplllllllzzzzz need help…

  76. Hi Ashish, I have 2 NIC cards one is local lan with ip range 192.168.0.1 & other is Hathway braodband. Even if i use command line “ipmsg.exe /NIC 192.168.0.1 in the startup it shows all users in the list but i cant receive any messages until i open the ipmsg & refresh it. Please advise.

  78. Hi Ashish , Could you please tell me how to restrict an user to delete chat history IP Messenger’s Log file
    ??

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