Customize W3C Extended Logging

The W3C Extended log file format is the default log file format for IIS. It is a customizable ASCII text-based format. You can use IIS Manager to select which fields to include in the log file.

[W3C Extended Log File Format]

Change logging properties

  1. In IIS Manager, expand the local computer, expand the Web Sites folder, select the Default Web Site, and double-click Logging in Features View.
  2. In the Actions View, select Enable (if not already selected).
  3. On the ‘Logging’ page, in the ‘Log file’ section under ‘Format’, select W3C and click ‘Select Fields….

    BEFORE

    Note: Before changing the extended properties, write down or take snapshots of currently selected W3C properties in case of wanting to go back to the original state in the future
  4. On the Advanced tab, select logging ALL.

    AFTER

  5. Click OK, and close IIS Manager.
  6. From the Windows Start menu, select Run. Type: iisreset and then click OK to restart IIS.
  7. IIS logs are located in the following directories:
    • C:\WINDOWS\system32\LogFiles\W3SVC1 - for the Default Web site communication.
    • C:\WINDOWS\system32\LogFiles\HTTPERR - for IIS errors logs.