Introduction
Microsoft Windows provides an Event Log where all applications may store warnings and errors found during execution. When debugging a system fault, it can be useful to view the logs and save them so they can be emailed. There are several types of log files, although most useful are the "Application" and "System" logs.
Viewing and Saving the log files
To view your log files and save them to text files follow these steps:
- 1. Launch the Event Viewer.
- Click the Start button, Control Panel, System and Security, Administrative Tools, and then double-clicking Event Viewer. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation
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A quicker method is to click [Start] and just type "Event Viewer" in the Search Programs box and then click to launch it. For Windows XP users, Right click "MyComputer" and select "Manage" (Note: on some OS "MyComputer" is replaced with the computer name and is found either on the Desktop or on the Start menu)
Figure: Windows XP Event viewer
- 2. Save the Log files
- Click "Windows Logs->System". Right Click and "Save All Events As..."
- Repeat for "Windows Logs->Application" and "Save All Events As..."
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For Windows XP users, click "System Tools->Event Viewer->System". Right Click and "Save Log File as...". Repeat for "System Tools->Event Viewer->Application" and "Save Log File as..."
These saved files can then be used for sending via email