using IP addresses in browser address line

[Norman]

I'm sure it used to be possible to enter http:// followed
by the IP address of the web site and go to it.

e.g. http://213.171.219.223

Now this just gives a 404 error.

I like to use this to track down originators of spam, who
often spoof the real domain names.

Any ideas?

 

[Guest]

Are you sure the IP address is valid? I use the browser
all the time with http://xx.xx.xx.xx (whatever the IP is)
and it works fine.