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Alternatives When You Get “No IRC /who” in Your Client

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Troubleshooting “No IRC /who” Errors — Quick FixesThe IRC (Internet Relay Chat) /who command is a common tool used to list users connected to a channel or server. When you see an error like “No IRC /who” or receive a message indicating that the /who command is unavailable, it can be frustrating—especially when you need to check who’s online or verify nicknames and user modes. This article walks through what the error means, common causes, quick fixes, and longer-term solutions so you can get back to chatting.

What “No IRC /who” Means

“No IRC /who” typically indicates that your IRC client or the IRC server is refusing, blocking, or not recognizing the /who command. The root cause can be client-side (how your client formats or sends the command), server-side (server configuration or policy), or network-related (proxies, bouncers, or firewalls). Understanding which layer is responsible helps narrow down the right fix.

Quick checklist — first things to try

  • Confirm your syntax. The standard usage is /who or /who #channelname. Some clients require /whois or other variants for different results.
  • Try another client. Connect using a different IRC client (e.g., HexChat, irssi, WeeChat, mIRC) to see whether the issue persists.
  • Check server messages. Look for numeric replies or server notices that explain why the command was refused (e.g., access denied, command disabled).
  • Reconnect. Disconnect and reconnect to the server; temporary permission or state issues sometimes resolve after reconnecting.
  • Test with a different server. If /who works elsewhere, it’s likely a server-policy issue on the original network.

Common causes and quick fixes

1) Server-side restrictions and policies

Many IRC networks restrict or disable the /who command to reduce server load or prevent abuse (e.g., mass collection of user information). Some networks limit /who to only channel members, registered users, or users with special flags.

Quick fixes:

  • Join the channel first, then run /who #channel.
  • Register your nickname and identify (e.g., with NickServ) if required by the network.
  • Read the network’s help or rules (often available via /msg or on the network’s website) to find policy specifics.
2) Flood protection and rate limits

Servers implement throttles to protect against frequent or large /who requests. If you or a bouncer is issuing many queries, the server may block further attempts.

Quick fixes:

  • Wait a few minutes and try again.
  • Reduce automated scripts or bouncer clients issuing repeated /who requests.
  • Use /names #channel as a lighter alternative (lists nicknames but fewer details).
3) Client syntax or alias issues

Some IRC clients provide aliases, scripts, or differing command syntax. A misconfigured script can intercept or alter /who before it reaches the server, causing an error.

Quick fixes:

  • Temporarily disable scripts or plugins and retry.
  • Check client documentation for correct /who usage or command mappings.
  • Use the client’s raw send capability (often /quote WHO #channel or /raw WHO #channel) to send the exact protocol command.

Example (raw command in many clients):

/quote WHO #channel
4) Bouncers (BNC) or proxies interfering

If you connect through a bouncer (BNC) or proxy, that middle layer may restrict or rewrite commands. Some bouncers intentionally block certain commands for privacy or resource reasons.

Quick fixes:

  • Connect directly to the IRC server without the bouncer, if possible, to test.
  • Check bouncer settings or documentation for command filters.
  • Update or reconfigure your bouncer to pass WHO requests through.
5) Network operators or channel modes

Operators can set channel modes or network modes that affect visibility (e.g., +i for invite-only, secret channels) or set restrictions on WHO replies.

Quick fixes:

  • Ask a channel operator for help or clarification.
  • If you’re a channel operator, review channel modes and user modes that might suppress WHO replies.
  • Use /mode #channel to see current modes (if permitted).
6) Server software differences

Different IRC daemon implementations (InspIRCd, UnrealIRCd, Bahamut, IRCd-ratbox derivatives, etc.) implement WHO, WHOIS, and related features differently. Some servers implement extended WHOs with additional flags; others may not support certain parameters.

Quick fixes:

  • Check the server’s welcome message (MOTD) or documentation for supported commands.
  • Use WHOIS for individual user lookups: /whois nickname.

Tools and alternative commands

  • /names #channel — Lists nicknames in a channel; lower server load and often allowed when WHO is not.
  • /names or /list — See channel lists (subject to server policy).
  • /whois nickname — Get info for a single user.
  • /mode #channel — Inspect channel modes that might hide users.
  • /wallops, /whoops — Not commonly useful for this problem; check server docs.
  • Raw protocol: WHO, WHO #channel, or WHO nick sent via /quote or /raw in your client.

Practical troubleshooting sequence

  1. Try /names #channel. If it works, WHO is likely restricted.
  2. Run /whois nickname for one or two users to confirm the server responds to queries.
  3. Disable client scripts/plugins and try /quote WHO #channel.
  4. Reconnect without bouncer/proxy to isolate middle-layer interference.
  5. Check server messages (numeric replies) and network help channels (commonly &help or #help).
  6. If still blocked, contact network admins or channel operators with the error text and time.

Example scenarios

  • Scenario: You connect and typing /who #linux returns “No IRC /who”.

    • Likely cause: Network blocks WHO queries for non-registered users. Solution: Identify with NickServ or use /names #linux.

  • Scenario: Your bot through a BNC gets blocked but direct client works.

    • Likely cause: BNC filters WHO. Solution: Reconfigure BNC or connect without it.

  • Scenario: Intermittent WHO failures after many requests.

    • Likely cause: Rate limiting. Solution: Back off frequency or cache results.

When to ask for help (what to provide)

If you need network admin support, provide:

  • Exact error message text and timestamp.
  • IRC network name and server address.
  • Client name/version and whether you used a bouncer.
  • Steps you already tried (e.g., tried /names, used /quote WHO).
  • Whether you’re registered/identified.

Prevention and best practices

  • Register and identify your nickname on networks that require authentication.
  • Avoid automated frequent WHO queries; cache results when possible.
  • Use lightweight alternatives like /names when full WHO details aren’t necessary.
  • Keep client and bouncer software updated, and review their changelogs for command handling changes.

If you want, I can:

  • Provide specific raw commands for your client (tell me which client you use).
  • Draft a message you can send to network admins with the details above.

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