Where are the error logs located and what should I look for?

Echo Kilo · 03-28-2007, 04:38 PM

I'm testing out a old debian machine that seems to lock up occasionally.

Can I get the location of the error logs, which ones I should check, and what to look for?

Maybe some search tips / commands to find errors?

{BBI}Nexus{BBI} · 03-28-2007, 04:46 PM

logs are kept in /var/log Try checking out /var/log/messages (you need root access to look at these logs)

Echo Kilo · 03-28-2007, 05:00 PM

thanks!

Log checking tips?

Which logs are where?

Echo Kilo · 03-28-2007, 05:22 PM

Also wondering if any of the logs will show Hard Drive errors. I have a suspicion that one is going bad, but I don't know where to check if HD errors?

{BBI}Nexus{BBI} · 03-28-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Echo Kilo

Also wondering if any of the logs will show Hard Drive errors. I have a suspicion that one is going bad, but I don't know where to check if HD errors?

The logs dmesg & messages give you the output of processes that occur either at boot up or as the system starts (or attempts to start) certain tasks/processes. There are also logs for security, users, etc. They should all be in /var/log.