SQL Server Setup Log

This log shows which SQL server components were detected, the operating system environment, the command-line parameters that were specified, the values that were specified, and the overall status of each MSI and MSP file that was executed.

Filename: Summary.txt

Location: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Setup Bootstrap\LOG



SQL Server Error Log

This is one of the most useful logs.  SQL Server retains 6 previous logs.  A new error log is created each time an instance of SQL Server is started

File name: ERRORLOG

SQL 2005 Location: %Program-Files%\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\LOG

SQL 2008 Location: %Program-Files%\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10.x\MSSQL\LOG

To Open: Start > Run > SSMS > Expand Databases > Management



Windows Event Log

The Event Viewer is an important resource for resolving SQL Server errors.  There are 3 helpful logs.

Application Log: Logs SQL Server and SQL Server Agent events

Security Log: Records authentication information

System Log: Logs startup and shutdown info.

To Open: Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer