Viewing the Error Log

The SQL Server error log can be viewed by using SQL Enterprise Manager.

    To view the SQL Server error log
  1. In the Server Manager window, select a server.
  2. From the Server menu, choose Error Log.

    The SQL Server error log appears.

You can also view the SQL Server error log using any text editor. By default, the error log is \SQL60\LOG\ERRORLOG.

When SQL Server is configured to use its error log, each SQL Server session creates a new log, and SQL Server retains the last six logs created. The current log has no filename extension. SQL Server maintains the last 6 error logs created. The old logs are distinguished by their filename extension (.1, .2, .3, etc.), with the lowest number designating the newest file.