How to Find IP Addresses on Messenger

Find the IP address of a Messenger contact using the netstat command.

IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every computer is assigned with an IP address. IP addresses are unique to each computer and consist of a set of numbers. The addresses are often used to track and identify computers. If you are chatting with someone on Messenger, you can find out his IP address by using the "netstat" command. Note that you might need administrative rights to complete this task.

Instructions

1. Close all active windows and programs that can potentially connect to the Internet.

2. Sign in to Messenger by typing your user name and password.

3. Minimize the main messenger window.

4. Click the Start menu and type "cmd" in the search bar. Click "cmd.exe" from the search results to launch "Command Prompt." Type the administrator's password or click "Continue" to proceed.

5. Type "netstat" (without the quotes) at the prompt and hit the "Enter" key. You will see a list of IP connections that are connected to your computer.

6. Navigate back to your Messenger window. Double-click the contact whose IP address you need to find. Type any message and click "Send."

7. Wait until the contact replies back to you. At this point, navigate back to the "Command Prompt."

8. Type "netstat" (without the quotes) again and press the "Enter" key. Find the new IP address that appears in the list. This IP address belongs to the contact with whom you are chatting on Messenger.

References

• Command Windows: Netstat
• Microsoft: Understanding TCP/IP addressing and subnetting basics