Access Log Question

[Jeff321]

Well, I wasn't sure what forum to post this question on, so here it is:

My logs directory has access_log, access_log.txt, access_log.archive (currently 0 bytes), and access_log.zip. Can somebody explain what each one is used for and how they all work?

Thanks in advance.

- Jeff

[(jj)]

Hey Jeff

The access_log is the active log file that is currently in use.

The access_log.txt is the past weeks log file in text form (safe to delete)

The access_log.zip is also the past weeks log file only in a easy to download zip form (safe to delete)

The access_log.archive is one I've not seen, but I would presume that it is the past weeks log files that are backed up as the .zip and .txt files are created each weekend. I would also presume that this one is safe to delete.

I download the zip file and error logs each weekend and then delete all except the error and current access_log file.


Just my "For What It's Worth"

[Jeff321]

I used another script to analyze my logs once, maybe access_log.archive is from that.

Thanks a lot for your reply!

- Jeff

[aza]

As far as I know, these logs files are used by Webalizer, that is used by PowWeb. Could someone explain me how exactly Webalizer uses those files and which one he actually uses? and how often?

[Jeff321]

Ok, I have another question: How often is the error log cleared or archived? Also, can the error log be deleted without causing any problems?

Thanks again...

[(jj)]

The error log is never automatically cleared or archived!

You can safely delete it, it will be regenerated the next time an error occurs.

What I have gone to doing, instead of just deleting the old one, is that I download it and then upload a blank one to overwrite the one I downloaded. This way, I don't have to rely on the server to create a new one, and it will use the blank one when an error occurs.


Just my "For What It's Worth"

[Jeff321]

If it's never archived, then why do I have an error_log.zip on my server? I suppose it really doesn't matter, I was just wondering if I could delete it since my error log has grown to astounding sizes recently :eek:

Thanks Jack

[(jj)]

hmmmm, well color me wrong... ;) guess I've just been beating the server to the punch, because I've never seen my error log zipped up before.

But yes, there should be no reason that you can not delete the error log and the zipped archive as well.


Just my "For What It's Worth"

[Jeff321]

Alright, Thanks again :)