mIRC is short for "Microsoft Internet Relay Chat", and is the name of a program that allows Windows users to connect to IRC channels and chat with other users in real time. IRC works a little differently than other chat applications, but you can learn the basics in minutes and start chatting with friends and new acquaintances right away.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Install mIRC
Step 1. Download mIRC
Go to the official mIRC page and click on "Download mIRC". From version 7.36 mIRC is available for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.
If you are using an older version of Windows, try downloading version 6.35
Step 2. Install mIRC
Once you have downloaded the file, open it and install mIRC following the instructions that appear on the screen. The installation shouldn't take more than a few minutes.
Select "Full" installation if you have never installed mIRC before
Step 3. Open mIRC and mIRC Help
When the installation is complete, check the "Start mIRC" and "mIRC Help" boxes. Having the instruction file open while trying the program for the first time might come in handy in case you get stuck.
Step 4. Click to continue
One of the windows that will open is called "About mIRC", and it will ask you to register or to continue. mIRC can be used for free for 30 days, after which you will have to pay a one-time $ 20 to register the software. For now, simply click on the Continue button to give it a try. Follow the instructions in the next section to start chatting.
Part 2 of 4: Getting Started Using mIRC Chat
Step 1. Enter your information
Whenever you open mIRC and go past the screen asking you to register, a window will open asking you for information. Enter the name by which you want to be recognized in the "Nickname" box, then choose another one if the previous one is already in use and enter it in the "Alternatives" box. In older versions, your name and email address were also required, but no one enters them anymore. From version 7.36 this information is no longer mandatory.
Step 2. Join a chat channel
Click on the Connect button and you will be shown a list of channels. Select one and click Join to access it. You can also enter a channel name directly into the text box and click the Join button to its right.
- If you get an error message when you try to access a chat, please read the troubleshooting section below.
- If you accidentally closed the login window, you can join a chat by clicking on Commands in the menu at the top of the screen.
Step 3. Enter a specific chat
First of all you need to make sure you are connected to the same network as the people you want to chat with. Open the options menu by holding down the alt="Image" and O keys on your keyboard, then select a server in the same network as your friends. Each network is represented by a folder with a name like "Usenet" or "DALnet", and contains a list of servers within it. Select a server within the network that your friends use, and then click OK. Now you can enter the chat following the procedure described above.
Step 4. Start talking
Type in the text box at the bottom of the chat window, and press the "Enter" key on your keyboard to send the message.
Step 5. Send a private message
In the right column of the window you can see the list of users in the chat. Double-click on one of these names to open a private chat with that user.
You can also right-click on a name to view a list of options, including opening a private chat ("Query") or viewing the user's profile ("Info")
Step 6. Join another channel
To join another channel, click on Commands at the top of the mIRC window, and select Join channel. Enter the name of the channel you want to join and click OK to open a new chat window.
Alternatively you can go back to the main mIRC window and write "/ join" followed by the channel name preceded by the # symbol
Part 3 of 4: Using Other mIRC Options
Step 1. Search for new channels
mIRC has stored a list of popular channels, which you can view by clicking on Tools → Channels List or by holding down the alt="Image" and L keys. Click on "File" and select a network from the drop-down menu, then click on Get List. Once the list is loaded, you can go back to the previous window and enter keywords in the "Text" box to find the channels you are interested in.
Step 2. Find even more channels
Many online communities have their own IRC chat, and you can find the network and channel name on their forum or website. You can also search channel databases on sites like Netsplit and SearchIRC.
Step 3. Create your channel
In the main mIRC window, type "/ join #" followed by the name of the channel you want to create, and it will automatically be created.
You can also use some commands to make your channel private and invite only selected users to join you
Step 4. Use commands and shortcuts
If you write anything preceded by the "/" symbol, mIRC will interpret it as a command and not as text. You've already learned how to use the / join command, but you can try many others too, or just learn the basics:
- / invite Marco #wikihow will send a message to the user Marco inviting him to enter the #wikihow channel.
- / me dances from the joy will write the message "(your name) dance for joy," without the colon (:) that usually separates the name from the text.
- / ignore spammer it will hide all messages from you who have the name "spammer".
- / help followed by the name of a command (such as / help ignore) will explain in detail how to use it.
Part 4 of 4: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Open the options menu
If you are unable to connect to any channels, click on Tools at the top of the window and select Options. Alternatively, you can hold down the alt="Image" and O keys. Once the window is open, follow the instructions below to solve your problem.
Step 2. Change server
According to the Help section of mIRC, the most common method for solving connection problems is to connect to another server. Click on "Servers" in the left column, under "Connect". Select a server from the list, possibly one located near you. click "OK" to go to that server.
The servers are organized in several folders, such as "EFnet" and "DALnet". Each folder contains its own channel list. If you are looking to join a specific channel, you will need to know the right server
Step 3. Change your server port
If you can't use any servers, maybe you are using the wrong "port". Select the server you want to connect to and click "Edit" to change it. Most servers use port 6667, while servers on the DALnet network usually use port 7000. Enter this number in the "ports" field and click "OK".
Step 4. Change your "Identd" options
Click on "Identd" in the left column of the options menu, under "Connect". Make sure the "Enable Identd server" box is checked, so that you can identify yourself in IRC networks and servers.
Step 5. Set mIRC to connect automatically
Select "Options" from the list of categories and check the box corresponding to the "Connect on startup" option. In this way it will be easier and more immediate to connect every time you want to use mIRC. You can also check the "Reconnect on disconnection" box to attempt to reconnect automatically in case of disconnection.
Step 6. Read the FAQ and help file
If you still can't connect, or if you run into a more complicated problem, read the help file you downloaded along with the program. You can also take a look at the official mIRC FAQs, or download them to always have them available
Advice
mIRC should automatically detect the presence of a firewall blocking internet access. If a message appears regarding your firewall, click "Allow" or a similar option to give mIRC permission to use your internet connection
Warnings
- Always observe the rules of channels and servers, or you may be kicked out or banned. If you don't know the rules, ask to be able to speak to a moderator.
- Even using a fake name and email, it is possible that someone can trace you. It is not recommended to behave hostile or engage in illegal activities.
