viewing SQL server transaction logs

[watermelon]

Can anyone tell me how to view SQL server transaction logs at Vortech? I've tried using the DBCC method and it says that I don't have proper permissions. I would prefer a non-Enterprise Manager method, but anything would be helpful.

Thanks, Paul

[Brangwyn]

I don't think you can view them, don't recall ever trying though either I'll see later what can be done, but no doubt it will involve Enterprise Manager as you can't run any DBCC commands (you could put in a TT to get temporary dbo access though if you just need this as a one off), what are you trying to get out of the logs anyway, if loggings set to simple theres not going to be a lot of detail in the databases log file to view either.

[watermelon]

Hi Brangwyn

Originally Posted by Brangwyn

you can't run any DBCC commands (you could put in a TT to get temporary dbo access though if you just need this as a one off)

I apparently was granted DBO access, but still received a permissions error for DBCC...
Essentially, I was hoping to demonstrate that "nothing happened" (for a client). It turns out that I was able to do that wihout the T Logs, but it would be nice to know for future reference. BTW how would you access via Enterprise Manager? I found the file path, but couldn't view the logs...

Cheers - Paul

[Brangwyn]

Which DBCC command were you trying to use ?

Physical DB transaction Log's aren't something easily viewed really, usually I use a 3rd party product to view my transaction logs, EM doesn't really show you anything more than the server logs (I couldn't quite be sure which you wanted to actually look at).

[daverozelle]

I'd like to chime in here and ask, is there any way for me to view the log that might show who/when a db is accessed?

In other words, is there a log that shows what user logged in and when to a mySQL db? I think that someone other than me might have done that to one of mine and I want o find out all I can about the occurance.

[Brangwyn]

Theres no mySQL log that I'm aware of that would show you that info, Matt or one of the other more *nix orientated folks than me might have some input though.

If you think someone may have logged into your database change the password immediately.

[watermelon]

Originally Posted by Brangwyn

Which DBCC command were you trying to use ?
..usually I use a 3rd party product to view my transaction logs..

I was trying to use DBCC log ( {dbid|dbname}, [, type={0|1|2|3|4}] ) (with db name etc.) and receiving this error [User does not have permission to run DBCC log.] to view the SQL server transaction log.

Originally Posted by Brangwyn

..usually I use a 3rd party product to view my transaction logs..

Have you found a good 3rd party viewer?

[Brangwyn]

http://www.lumigent.com/products/le_sql/le_sql.htm

I've used their log explorer product on and off over the last couple of years, but it requires something installed server side as well, so not really appropriate for use with Vortech (I manage several of my own SQL servers).