Overview

When troubleshooting an issue with the BarTender System Database, it might be helpful to be able to review the logs of the SQL instance being used by BarTender as it includes more detailed information about the database that cannot be found in Event Viewer or the BarTender service logs.

See the instructions below to learn how to access them:

Applicable to 

Any version of BarTender that is actively connected to a BarTender System Database.

Instructions

1. Log into the system where the system database is located.

If you have multiple computers that use BarTender and you have Enterprise (or Enterprise Automation) edition, make sure that you are on the computer housing the centralized BarTender System Database (if you utilize one). To check, open Administration Console and go to the System Database tab on the left-hand side. 

In the top left-hand corner, under Database Connection, you will see and entry next to Server. If this matches your computer name, you are on the right computer. Otherwise, this will tell which computer you need to be on.

2. Download Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). You will need this program to access the SQL instance that houses your BarTender System Database. The latest version can be found here.

3. Once it downloads and installs, open the program. It will prompt you to log in. Your currently logged in Windows account will be selected by default. If logging in with this account fails or you don't remember which account you used when creating your System Database, see the Additional Resources for a Microsoft article about recovering access.

4. In Object Explorer on the left-hand side, expand the Management folder and then expand the SQL Server Logs folder. Double-click on any of the logs here to view them.

Additional resources

Creating or Connecting to a System Database - Help topic

Administration Console technical document - BarTender 2021 and above

Recovering access to a SQL Server instance