Event viewer email alerts

Question

Windows Server 2008 Event viewer there is an option to Attach task to this event. Is there a Microsoft solution, to send an email alert for any Error messages that flag up in the event viewer?

Answer 1

You can use Attach task to this log or simply create a new scheduled task.

• Use the trigger When a specific event is logged
• Choose the log you want to monitor (you can choose multiple logs in the advanced task settings)
• Set the action to Send an e-mail (and provide the nescessary information)

If you want any error sending a message you have to refine the trigger. Edit the trigger and choose custom. Then you have to press the button new event filter...

• Tick Error in the error level part
• In the drop down menu by log you can choose the log you want to monitor

With this event filter you get a message for each error that occurs.

Answer 2

Depends on how strictly you define "Microsoft solution."

There's an old serverfault thread on the subject here, or a tutorial I haven't tried myself here. For what it's worth, I've been relying on VB scripts to do it (on acount of that working with previous versions of Windows Server) and/or an actual enterprise monitoring system when my corporate overlords are willing to spring for it (on account of that actually being a much more complete solution).