How to use Event Viewer

How to use Event Viewer

Document number: 69033

The Event Viewer records a variety of software or hardware anomalies. Sometimes an error message will refer you to the event viewer for further details. Reviewing these details can help you decide whether to ignore the error message, or to take some other action. You may wish to ignore the error message if it is normal, caused by a slight change in the way the computer is being used. For example, if you normally have a serial mouse attached, but start a computing session without attaching the serial mouse then the computer will note that it was unable to locate the serial mouse and will record that fact in the Event log. This would be expected and no action should be taken. The first step in deciphering Event Viewer is to consider what devices you might have originally attached to the machine that are no longer attached.

For instructions on using Event Viewer select your operating system:

Open Event Viewer in Windows NT4.

Open Event Viewer in Windows 2000.

To open Event Viewer in Windows NT4:

Select Start menu and select Programs.
Select Administrative Tools (Common) and then Event Viewer.
From the menu bar select View, and then Newest First.
From the menu bar select Log, and then S ystem.
Along the left-hand side of the System log next to the date look for a red icon representing an Error event.
If you find an Error event (red icon) next to today's date, double-click to open the Event Details. The message appearing under Event details should help identify the source of the message you are receiving. Write down the message and if you can take a screen shot of the message that can be helpful.
From the menu bar select Log, and then E xit.

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To open Event Viewer in Windows 2000:

Select Start menu and select Control Panel.
Double-click the Administrative Tools icon to open it
Double-click the Event Viewer icon to open it
From the menu bar select View, and then make sure there is a checkmark next to Newest First. If there is no checkmark click once on Newest First.
In the left-hand panel (Tree) click once to highlight System log.
In the right-hand System log panel, along the left-hand side of the System log next to the date look for a red icon representing an Error event.
If you find an Error event (red icon) next to today's date, double-click to open the Event Details. The message appearing under Event details should help identify the source of the message you are receiving. Write down the message and if you can take a screen shot of the message that can be helpful.
From the menu bar select Log, and then E xit.

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