Backing up .xsession-errors
 

How would I get a Linux Distro, such as Mandriva 2005, to make a copy of .xsession-errors?

I tried putting

cp $HOME/.xsession-errors $HOME/debug

into /etc/X11/Xsession, but that just creates a blank file.

I'm sure I've done this before, I just don't remember how.

You might try putting the cp command you tried in ~/.bash_logout instead. Then you'ld have a backup of .xsession-errors from the last session.

Take a look at "lsof ~/.xsession-errors". A number of programs write to it in the style of ">> ${HOME}/.xsession-errors".

You can also have a terminal open and run "tail ~/.xsession-errors".

If you use "cp" command in .bash_logout, consider using a --backup option so you have a backup from each session.

Cheers, I'll give that a go.