What log files does Windows XP create during installation?

John Savill

September 7, 2003

1 Min Read
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A. XP creates the following log files:

  • setupact.log-This log file contains a list of actions in chronological order that occurred during the graphical installation phase, such as file copies and registry changes. The OS also stores setup error log entries in this file. XP writes the setupact.log file to the %systemroot% folder (e.g., c:windows).

  • setuperr.log-This log file contains a list of errors that occurred during installation and their severity (this log file should be 0 bytes in size if no errors occurred during installation). XP writes the setuperr.log file to the %systemroot% folder.

  • comsetup.log-This log file contains installation information about Optional Component Manager and COM+ components. XP writes the comsetup.log file to the %systemroot% folder.

  • setupapi.log-XP writes information to the setupapi.log file each time a .inf file executes, including any errors. XP writes the setupapi.log file to the %systemroot% folder.

  • netsetup.log-This log file contains information about workgroup and domain membership. XP writes the netsetup.log file to the %systemroot%debug folder.

  • setup.log-The Recovery Console (RC) uses the setup.log file to gain information about the Windows installation duringrepair operations. XP writes the setup.log file to the %systemroot%repair folder.

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