In System Center 2012 Configuration Manager, client and site server components record process information in individual log files. By default, client and server component logging is enabled in Configuration Manager. You can use the information in these log files to help you troubleshoot issues that might occur in your Configuration Manager hierarchy.

The following sections provide details about the different log files. Use this information to view and monitor Configuration Manager client and server logs for operation details and identify error information that might help you to troubleshoot any problems.

About Configuration Manager Log Files

By default, most processes in Configuration Manager write operational information to a log file that is dedicated to that process. These log files are identified by the .LOG or .LO_ extension. Configuration Manager writes to the .LOG file until that log reaches it maximum size. When the log is full, the .LOG file is copied to a file of the same name but with the .LO_ extension, and the process or component continues to write to the .LOG file. When the .LOG file again reaches its maximum size, the .LO_ file is overwritten and the process repeats. Some components establish a log file history by appending a date and time stamp to the log file name and by retaining the .LOG extension.

To view the logs, you can use the Configuration Manager log viewer tool, CMTrace, which is located in the \SMSSETUP\TOOLS folder of the System Center 2012 Configuration Manager source media. The CMTrace tool is also added to all boot images that are added to the Software Library.

What’s New in Configuration Manager

Configure Logging Options by Using the Configuration Manager Service Manager

Configuration Manager supports options that enable you to change where log files are stored and the log file size.

Use the following procedure to use the Configuration Manager Service Manager to modify the size of log files, the name and location of the log file, and to force multiple components to write to a single log file.

To modify logging for a component:

Locating Configuration Manager Logs

By default, Configuration Manager log files are stored in a variety of locations that depend on the process that creates the log file, and on the configuration of your site systems. Because the location of the log on a given computer can vary, use search to locate the relevant log files on your Configuration Manager computers to help you troubleshoot a specific scenario.

Configuration Manager Client Logs

The following sections list the log files related to client operations, and client installation.

Client Operations

Client Installation Log Files

Client for Linux and UNIX

Client for Mac Computers

Configuration Manager Site Server Log Files

The following sections list log files found on the site server or related to specific site system roles.

Site Server and Site System Server Logs

Site Server Installation Log Files

Fallback Status Point Logs Files

Management Point Logs Files

Software Update Point Log Files

Log Files for Configuration Manager Functionality

The following sections list log files related to the different functions in Configuration Manager.

Application Management

Asset Intelligence

Backup and Recovery

Client Notification (Configuration Manager SP1 Only)

Compliance Settings

Configuration Manager Console

Content Management

Discovery

Endpoint Protection

Inventory

Metering

Migration

Mobile Devices

Operating System Deployment

Out of Band Management

Power Management

Remote Control

Reporting

Role-Based Administration

Software Updates and Network Access Protection

Wake On LAN

Windows Intune Connector

Windows Update Agent

WSUS Server

See Also