Using the "TRACERT" Command to Trace a Route on a Mac, Windows, or Linux Computer

The "tracert" Command Can Be a Useful Diagnostics Tool on Your Network!

Lynn Cloud
Lynn Cloud, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Sep 18, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
The "TRACERT" command can be a highly useful tool for diagnostics and problem-solving in Mac Classic OS, Mac OS X, Linux Operating Systems, and all Windows Operating Systems. This command is a networking tool used to determine the route taken by packets across a network. In more technical terms, it traces the path to a network host. TRACERT therefore is usually assumed to stand for "trace route." By showing the list of "hops" traversed, it allows you to observe the path taken to reach a particular destination on the network. It can be used when working through mirrors to download as well, since it may add to your information on which path is the fastest. If you are having difficulties with a firewall or other program that seems to be blocking some access but not all, tracing the route can be of use.

TRACERT in Mac OS X:
-Click Finder, Applications, Utilities, Command
Note: A black window should appear
- Type "traceroute www.websitename.com"

TRACERT in Mac OS 9:

-On Mac OS 9 the tracert command is unavailable. The 3rd party utility "WhatRoute" must be used.
Download "WhatRoute" from http://www.whatroute.net/
-Click " WhatRoute 1.8.11 (Classic) is now available" link
-Put the dot in Open with "Stuffit Expander - Default" and click "OK"
-If this option is not available, close the dialog box and install Stuffit Expander Standard
-A folder should appear containing some files. Double-click WhatRoute(Classic)
-If a folder doesn't open, double-click the downloaded file to open the folder - "whatroute -1.8.11.img.bin"
-A window should appear.
-Type the IP address or website name in "Host" and click "Trace"

TRACERT (USED AS TRACEROUTE ON LINUX) OR TRACEPATH IN LINUX SYSTEMS (GENERAL):
-tracepath is recommended instead of traceroute because tracepath does not require superuser privileges.
-Command used is: tracepath destination [ port]
-Linux is a fairly advanced OS, but for more information on using traceroute or tracepath on Linux, you may want to use the "man" command to obtain more in-depth manual pages on these commands.

TRACERT IN ALL WINDOWS OS:
-Click Start, Run,
-Type "command", and press "OK"
-A black window should appear
-Type "tracert www.websitename.com" (no quotes)

Published by Lynn Cloud

I've written print & web-based content for 15+ years. I spend much time on research and enjoy many hobbies with techie stuff and the study of eastern philosophies as favorites. Books are my passion.  View profile

  • This command traces the path to a network host and shows you the routes taken.
  • Tracert may also help you with the fastest mirror to use for downloading.
  • If you are having difficulties with a firewall blocking some access, trace route can be helpful.
The command to "trace the route" can be used in different ways on different Operating Systems: It is tracert on most Windows versions, traceroute or tracepath on most Linux systems, and whatroute when performed on a third-party utility for older Mac Operating Systems.

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