LanToucher Messenger Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is LanToucher Messenger?
LanToucher Messenger is an internal instant messaging system for Windows. It's designed for small office and home networks of up to 1000 workstations. It does not require an Internet connection or a messaging server to operate and is a perfect messaging solution for small networks.
Which Windows versions are supported?
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows 10
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Vista
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows XP
- Windows Me
- Windows 2000
- Windows NT 4
- Windows 98
- Windows 95
Is there a Mac version of LanToucher Messenger?
No. LanToucher Messenger is only compatible with Microsoft Windows. In order to be able to exchange messages with Windows users of LanToucher Messenger, you would need a Mac messenger that is compatible with CIFS/SMB protocol.
Do you have a version of LanToucher Messenger that runs on Linux?
There are no Linux versions of our messaging software available at this time. However, you can send messages from a Linux box to a Windows PC that is running LanToucher by means of the "smbclient -m" command or third party messaging clients.
Will this messaging program work on Terminal Services?
Yes. LanToucher Messenger comes with full support for Windows Terminal Services, Remote Desktop, and fast User Switching.
Is it compatible with Remote Desktop?
LanToucher Messenger is compatible with Remote Desktop that enables remote users to exchange messages with other RDP clients, local users, and the rest of the local area network.
Is it possible to centrally manage LanToucher's clients?
No, as LanToucher Messenger is a peer-to-peer, serverless messaging system.
Does LanToucher have access to the Internet through the application itself?
LanToucher Messenger does not use your Internet connection. This is by design.
What IP port does LanToucher Messenger use?
When running over IP, it uses the following NetBT ports:
- 137/UDP (netbios-ns)
- 138/UDP (netbios-dgm)
- 139/TCP (netbios-ssn)
- 445/TCP (microsoft-ds)
Is there a specific Windows service that needs to be running?
- TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
- Workstation
I notice that the Messenger service stops when I start the LanToucher application. Why?
LanToucher Messenger does not use the Messenger service to send/receive messages since it has its own implementation of the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. That's the reason why the service stops.
Can LanToucher Messenger send and receive IMs from AOL IM?
LanToucher Messenger is designed for private corporate and home networks. Therefore it cannot receive and send to public Internet messengers such as AIM, MSN or Yahoo! messengers.
Is it possible for LanToucher Messenger to act as an Email-to-IM gateway?
No, this is not supported as LanToucher Messenger is a "closed" messaging system. It's designed strictly for internal local area networks.
Will it automatically "find" the other clients?
Yes, but first you should add them to your contact list (ActiveList) from Contact Browser. Hit F3 to open the Contact Browser dialog.
If my computer is switched off, will LanToucher Messenger store all my previous messages?
Yes, it stores all your messages in the message log permanently. Until you delete them.
Is there any way to retrieve deleted messengers from LanToucher Messenger?
There is no way to recover deleted messages.
I want to have all of the messages archived on a server for HIPPA and other regulatory issues. Is this possible with LanToucher Messenger?
LanToucher Messenger stores all messaging in its internal database. Each LanToucher Messenger user (except for TS and RDP users) has their own message database. The message bases can be exported to a text file for archiving.
We are in a TS environment. Does that help in regards to archiving messages?
In a TS environment the application is run off the server. Thus, your users' message storage files are created and stored in a single location on the terminal server, in the LanToucher Messenger folder (by default, C:\Program Files\Vital Sound Laboratory\LanToucher Messenger).
Is LanToucher Messenger secure and safe to use?
With LanToucher Messenger, the messages are sent over your secure intranet directly from the sender to the recipient (host-to-host) using the SMB/CIFS protocol. Simply put, it is not possible to send messages to the outside world (the Internet). Please be advised, that the SMB/CIFS protocol does not allow message encryption.
Is there any way to send offline messages?
Offline messaging is not supported at this time. A user can send messages only to those persons who are online.
How do I broadcast to certain groups without sending to everyone logged onto the network?
With LanToucher Messenger, you can use preset groups for this. Sending to a group is as easy as sending to a single contact. To create and populate a new group in LanToucher Messenger, select ActiveList from the main menu, then click Manage Groups or just hit CTRL+G.
Can I set up "quick messages" in LanToucher Messenger?
Yes. With LanToucher Messenger you can quickly insert a pre-defined message or word (message template) into your outgoing messages by hitting a function key or selecting it from a pop-up menu. For more information on macros, see the LanToucher Messenger help file (Go to User Interface > Options dialog > Macros).
How to change my user name?
To change your messaging name in LanToucher Messenger, follow the steps below:
- Open the Options window (Ctrl+O).
- Click the Misc tab.
- Specify a new messaging name in the 'Override default user name' box.
- Restart LanToucher Messenger.
Make sure that your computer name does not match your user name. Also check if your user name is unique within the network.
Can I be signed in to LanToucher with the same user name at the same time in 2 locations?
If you sign in with the same user name at the same time, only one instance of the program will be able to send messages from that name, all other instances, will use computer name as the primary messaging alias.
Is it possible for an unattended application (e.g. a database server or a backup software) to use LanToucher to send IMs to other clients via command-line?
Sure, please see the Command line interface topic in LanToucher Messenger help for more information.
Can user settings be locked by administrators?
You can use LanToucher Messenger Policy keys to configure this.
Can the pop-up feature override the DOS box and come to the foreground?
Absolutely. When a message is received, the main window of LanToucher Messenger becomes active and comes to the foreground. With LanToucher Messenger, you won't miss that important message!
What's the difference between the trial version and the registered version of LanToucher Messenger?
The trial version is fully-functional during a 30-day evaluation period. Please install the trial version to make sure everything works the way it should before making a purchase.
I'd like to use LanToucher Messenger on a Terminal Server. Does the trial version support Terminal Services?
The trial version of LanToucher Messenger does support TS as there are no functional limitations during the 30-day evaluation period.
Is it possible to extend the trial period?
Should you need to extend the trial period beyond 31 days, please feel free to contact us regarding this matter.
Do I pay per month or is it a one-time fee?
You pay once. There are no annual fees or hidden charges. Product updates are available free of charge to all registered users.
Will my license provide free upgrades to future releases?
Your license for LanToucher Messenger will include free upgrades to all future releases of LanToucher Messenger. Your personalized copy of LanToucher Messenger will never expire or need to be renewed.
If for some reason the program does not meet my needs or I am unsatisfied with it, is it refundable?
You can ask for a refund within 45 days of the purchase.
Do you have any special discounts?
We offer volume discounts, as well as education and government discounts. Please contact us to find out if we have any special offers for you.
What is a Site License?
A Site License for LanToucher Messenger allows the Licensee to use the LanToucher Messenger software on an unlimited number of computers owned or leased by the Licensee. This also includes mobile computers used by employees who are traveling.
How do I update my messenger?
In order to update your LanToucher Messenger, please follow the steps below:
- Download the most recent version of LanToucher Messenger from our website at https://www.vitalsoundlab.com/downloads
- Close LanToucher Messenger.
- Then use the Programs and Features (Add/Remove Programs) applet in Control Panel to uninstall it.
- Run the downloaded setup package to install the new version.
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