Examine Paths with Tracert

Tracert is a route tracing utility that uses incrementally higher values in the TTL field in the IP header to determine the route from one host to another through a network. It does this by sending ICMP echo request messages and analyzing ICMP error messages that return. Tracert allows you to track the path of a forwarded packet from router to router for up to 30 hops. If a router has failed or if the packet is routed into a loop, Tracert reveals the problem. Once the problem router is found, its administrator can be contacted if it is an offsite router, or the router can be restored to fully functional status if it is under your control.

© 1985-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.