Access logs on cloud instances

The instance log contains the text output from the instance console, including the history. This can be used to help diagnose problems by reviewing events and errors.

Error messages such as failing to find a disk, file system errors, or syntax errors in config files will also display here. 

Instance states will affect the console log:

• If the instance is shut off the console log cannot be displayed.
• The console log is reset when an instance is hard rebooted.

Steps

1. 1
   Using the menu on the left, navigate to Compute > Instances.
2. 2
   In the Instance table, find the instance you want to view.
3. 3
   There are two ways to access the instance log:

• Either click on the Instance Name (blue, hyperlinked text). The Overview tab will load and display. Click on the Log tab.
• Or, in the Actions column, select the down ▼ button. A drop-down menu will appear. Scroll down and select View Log.

1. 4
   In the Log Length field, you can specify how many lines of the log to display. Enter a numerical value in the field. Select the Go button to refresh the log.
2. 5
   Select the View Full Log button to access the entire console log. This will open a new browser tab, displaying the complete console log output.

The action log allows you to view the major actions that have been performed on an instance since it was initially created. 

The action, start time and user ID is displayed. This can be used to help diagnose problems, and see when major changes occurred on the instance, and by the user that initiated the change.

These actions include creation, resize, attach/detach volumes, lock/unlock, reboots, rebuilds, etc.

Steps

1. 1
   Using the menu on the left, navigate to Compute > Instances.
2. 2
   In the Instance table, find the instance you want to view.
3. 3
   There are two ways to access the instance log:

• Click on the Instance Name (blue, hyperlinked text). The Overview tab will load and display.
• Or, in the Action column, select the down ▼ button. A drop-down menu will appear. Scroll down and select Console.

1. 4
   Scroll down to view the list of actions that have occurred on the instance.