Logs, Logs, Logs!!!
Ever had to parse mounds of IIS web server logs for specific metrics? It can be quite painful and time-consuming!
Log Parser Studio is a fantastic utility designed for this very purpose. It can parse various flat file formats using an SQL like query language.
Some of its features include:
- Ability to parse a variety of log file formats including, W3SVC/IIS, CSV, HTTP etc.
- Query log files using an SQL like query language
- Generate reports
- Generate a PowerShell script containing your query.
Installing Log Parser Studio
- Download and install the Log Parser framework from https://technet.microsoft.com/en-au/scriptcenter/dd919274.aspx
- Download and run the Log Parser Studio GUI from https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Log-Parser-Studio-cd458765.
UPDATE: It appears that the above Microsoft download links do not work anymore. However you can download it directly from my website here – Log-Parser-Studio.zip.
Quick Demo
In my case, I wanted to obtain a list of distinct users who had accessed my IIS website over a specific time frame.
Here is a quick example showing how easy it is to do within Log Parser Studio.
- Open Log Parser Studio
- Choose the log files you want to query
- Create a NEW QUERY
- Specify the types of log files you have – in my case IIS log files.
- Execute your query
Conclusion
Log Parser is one of the great little utilities that every Microsoft developer should add to their tool bag. Definitely worth a look!
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26th October 2017 at 7:09 pm
Thank you very much, this helps me a lot!
8th March 2018 at 7:56 am
This worked! You’re a life savior!
20th October 2018 at 4:50 am
Great info
30th January 2021 at 5:48 am
Every time I try to run a very simple query…i get a error setting property “icheckpoint” error…what can I troubleshoot ?
1st February 2021 at 1:59 am
Are Log Parser and Log Parser Studio now depreciated? All Microsoft links to both utilities have been scrubbed.
1st February 2021 at 5:57 am
Yes it appears that the original download links don’t work anymore so I’ve updated the links above.