Comments on: Windows administration: How do you track/diagnose errors and app crashes?

By: coop

coop — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:16:51 +0000

Interesting question. Everyone seems to assume you are asking how to diagnose a system crash. But maybe you want to know how best to keep track of your systems, keeping a record of errors and such?

You might want to try these programs

spiceworks.com – this is a free network manager. You can view your network, all the computers, and keep notes on them. You can even track support calls, etc. Its a pretty good solution for the price.

logmein.com – if you can afford to pay for the PRO version, this program gives you tons of info on your workstations etc. I mostly use the free version to access my users in the field, and to support other companies. but I do use the pro version on key systems! I love it.

splunk.com – if your interested in tracking log files, this may do the trick. I played with it a little, but then set it aside and not had time to get back to it.

Hope these help

By: kevinbeaver

kevinbeaver — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:27:38 +0000

Most of the people I know use Event Viewer or nothing at all (they just reboot!).

By: carlosdl

carlosdl — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:44:31 +0000

We use and old version of Ardamax.

By: jennymack

jennymack — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:17:47 +0000

Carlosdl,

Interesting. If you don’t mind my asking, which keylogger do you use?

By: carlosdl

carlosdl — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:39:26 +0000

Yes, logs are usually the best option.

In a couple of special situations, we have needed to install a keylogger on the client computer, to be able to understand what was causing the error.

By: mrdenny

mrdenny — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:33:08 +0000

The event viewer looking at the application log, and any log files which the application has created.