Troubleshooting App-V with log files

If you've ever found yourself having to troubleshoot some sort of software related issue then you know that being able to get a log file can be incredibly helpful.  With Microsoft Application Virtualization it's no different.  There are two primary logs that you'll probably end up working with:

1. Sftlog.txt
Description: The main log used for troubleshooting on the SoftGrid client.
Location and details: See https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc817103.aspx.

The details on the various logging levels and how to implement them are documented in KB931803 - Log options for SoftGrid Client 4.x.


2. SFT-Server.log

Description: Stores messages from the SoftGrid Virtual Application Server.
Path: %ProgramFiles%\Softricity\SoftGrid Server\logs 

Note: In App-V 4.5 the directory is now called "Microsoft System Center App Virt Management Server\App Virt Management Server", not Softricity\SoftGrid Server. For more information see 930871.

The logging level for the Application Virtualization Management Server can be changed in the registry at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\SOFTGRID\4.5\SERVER\SOFTGRID_LOG_LEVEL

The logging levels range in values from 1-5 as outlined below:

• 0: Transactions 
• 1: Fatal Errors 
• 2: Errors 
• 3: Warnings 
• 4: Informational 
• 5: Debug (Verbose) 

The default is 3:

image

When the logging level is changed for the Application Virtualization Management Server, a restart of the service is required to pick up the change. To do this follow the steps below:

1.    Click on START>RUN and type "Services.msc"
2.    Scroll down and select "Application Virtualization Management Server"
3.    In the column to the left, click on "Restart the service"

image

Once you restart the service you should be good to go.  You must restart the service for the new log level to take effect.   One last thing I'll also mention is to be sure you set the value back to it's default once you're done troubleshooting.  Some of these options can generate a ton of output and you don't want that overhead weighing you down unless absolutely necessary.

J.C. Hornbeck | Manageability Knowledge Engineer