1. Ping -a is for resolving addresses to hostname. If you don't have internal DNS or WINS, that may not work. For example, in a small network or home network, using ping -a may not give the host name. If you have a domain network with internal DNS, you can't use ping -a, it is possible the DNS doesn't have the A record for the computer.
2. In XP sp2, messenger service is disabled by default. this link may help,
http://www.chicagotech.net/winissues/netsend1.htm
Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on
http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on
http://www.HowToNetworking.com
ping -a does not give me the name of some of my clients machines and also net
send is not working from my laptop even i have enabled it from services.
Thankx!