I'm not sure if this is the correct area for this type of question, but here goes anyway. Does anyone know how to trace an IP number to the user and not just the host server?
I have looked al over the internet and even downloaded two trial programs that claim can do this. I have yet to see how. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks all.

I don't know how to do it, but I can give you a warning.

My brother tried to do this once, and received a message from our host server telling him to desist in his illegal activities or he'll be taken to court.

I'm not sure exactly what the law is on this, but from the gist of the letter it seems that tracing IPs is only legal from a server you own, or if you have explicit permission from your host to do so.

This letter got mailed not only to my brother, but to me and my dad as well (every email address that was on the account doing the "illegal activity").

Just a heads up.

Thanks for the tip Lady C. Perhaps I should go another route. I have had a few other suggestions from other sources. I just cannot stand by while my name and character are being slandered, but I don't want to do anything wrong myself.
Thanks again.

You haven't said what the problem is BB. If you have a complaint against a person you could contact their ISP and tell them what has been going on, give them details and ask them to look into the matter. You mention slander, I am sure that an ISP would take this seriously.

That's good advice. You'll have to tell us how things work out for you, BB.

I was just watching TechTV and they had a demo of a product that would trace, graphically, IP addresses. The cost was $US 20 with a free 30 day trial.
Check with http://www.thescreensavers.com