Instant Messenging with Command Prompt with IP address

Hello. I put in a help request earlier basically just like this not too long ago. But I'm having a problem with it. I want to instant message someone who is NOT on my network, let's just say in a different state...and i want to message them using Command Prompt. Someone told me that i should put it in this format...

net send <ipaddress> MESSAGE HERE

Well..when I do that, it gives me this message back...

An error occurred while sending a message to 255.255.255.255. The message alias cound not be found on the network. More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2273.

I do that help file, and it doesn't help. Please send me detailed instructions on how to do this. Thank you SO much!

You can't use the 255 subnet mask number. You need their STATIC Ip address. Have the other person go to a cmd prompt and type ipconfig and they'll see a screen like this:

C:\>ipconfig

Windows 2000 IP Configuration

PPP adapter AT&T Global Network:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : xx.xx.240.60
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.255
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : xx.xx.240.60



You would then use net send xx.xx.240.60 message here

I know that 255.255.255.255 is not a REAL ip, i was just using that as an example. I just want to know why it is giving me that error message when I try to send a message to other computers. And the thing that's weird about it is, is that my friend can send a message to a computer, but it won't let me. Please help on this issue. I REALLY need to figure this out. Thanks a lot.

C:\Documents and Settings\SJones>net helpmsg 2273

The message alias could not be found on the network.


EXPLANATION

This message alias could not be located.

ACTION

Check the spelling of the message alias. If it is correct, then the computer that is to receive your message may be busy. Try sending the message again later.

I know how to look up help for that.....

I just doesn't work...and i KNOW the IP address is good, because my friend messages that IP too, and it works...

Are you behind a firewall?

Is the address a static IP address?

Is your friend on the same network as the pc in question?

no

no

and no

Sorry... but the answer to all questions is no

The IP address MUST be a static one in order to do net send.