An event log is a systematic set of reports on various events happening inside the system. By using the event log, a user can examine the activities, respond to events
and secure the entire system. To monitor event logs in Windows XP a user would have to configure it properly in his system. After configuration, a user can monitor
event logs of Application (error, warning, or information, etc.), Security (audit, events, etc.), forwarded events and System (domain controllers).
Steps to activate event log monitor
1.Go to Start and select Control Panel.
2.Click the option of Performance and Maintenance.
3.Open the Administrative Tools and select Computer Management/ MMC inclusive of Event Viewer snap-in.
4.Click Event Viewer.
5.With this the logs can be viewed at the Event Viewer Window.
Steps to monitor event logs
1.Go to Start and select Control Panel.
2.Click the option of Performance and Maintenance.
3.Open the Administrative Tools and select Computer Management/ MMC inclusive of Event Viewer snap-in.
4.Select expand Event Viewer from the Console Tree.
5.Find and select the logs containing desired information.
6.View the events from details pane.
Note: The event properties would be displayed.
Copy the content in MS Word.
Use the Up or Down Key for viewing the content.
Understanding the Event Log
The event log provides information under these classifications:
Date: Date when the event occurred.
Time:Time when the event occurred.
User: The user name of the user.
Computer: Name here means the computer name.
Event ID: Event number for identifying the event name.
Source: The actual source of the event which can be program, system component, etc.
Type: Error type which can be Information, Success Audit, or Failure, etc.
Category: A segregation of the event source.
Steps to find the Events
1.Go to Start and select Control Panel.
2.Click the option of Performance and Maintenance.
3.Open the Administrative Tools and select Computer Management/ MMC inclusive of Event Viewer snap-in.
4.Select expand Event Viewer from the Console Tree.
5.Click find in the View menu.
6.Enter the log details in Find dialog box and click the option of Find Next.
Steps to filter the log events
1.Go to Start and select Control Panel.
2.Click the option of Performance and Maintenance.
3.Open the Administrative Tools and select Computer Management/ MMC inclusive of Event Viewer snap-in.
4.Select expand Event Viewer from the Console Tree.
5.Click Filter Tab from View menu.
Steps to set log size
1.Go to Start and select Control Panel.
2.Click the option of Performance and Maintenance.
3.Open the Administrative Tools and select Computer Management/ MMC inclusive of Event Viewer snap-in.
4.Select expand Event Viewer from the Console Tree.
5.Set the log size (in Log size) in the Maximum log size box option.
6.Select the Overwrite Option.
6.Now select the Clear Log option.
7.Click OK.
Besides trying a different command for every event log error a user can refer the
event log monitor tool. With this
monitor event logs tool a user can manage and secure all the system based and web based events in a system.
