KB10529: How to obtain Level Trace DELogs for use by MicroStrategy to troubleshoot issues

Often times, for effective troubleshooting, Strategy Technical Support requires a detailed Narrowcast Server DELog. This document outlines guidelines for obtaining such information for when the problem is reproducible and originates from the Delivery Engine.
The guidelines outlined in this document do not apply to Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) logging (KB6200-72X-0975), or Subscription Portal logging (KB6200-7X0-0096).
 
This document assumes that the user is familiar with the following:

• the location of the DELog files (KB6200-071-0246)
• the naming convention of the DELog files (KB6200-071-0246)
• the Logging Levels of Narrowcast Server (KB6200-071-0172)
• the concept of 'Flush file buffer after write' (KB6200-071-0214)
• how to navigate and enable/disable registry values
• where the Report/Document delivery services are located
• how to enable/disable services.

 
NOTE: The information provided in this document is only a recommendation for obtaining a DELog for use only by Strategy.
NOTE: For Strategy Narrowcast Server 9.0.x on 64-bit Windows machines, the registry locations below will be under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\MicroStrategy\....
 
Preliminary steps: General information only, no level tracing.

1. Isolate the problem (e.g., disable schedule services, Report/Document delivery services, limit administrator use of the system, etc.).
2. If possible, simplify the problem (e.g., make the report smaller).
3. Continue once the problem can be reproduced, when desired.
4. Stop the Strategy Logging Client, Logging Server, and Logging Consumer.
   Note: Stopping the Logging Client will stop the Distribution Manager.
   
5. Delete (or archive) the existing DELog files.
6. Navigate to the following location:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MicroStrategy\Strategy Broadcast Server\7.0\Distributed Logging Service\LoggingConsumer
   
7. Enable (set to 1) 'Flush file buffer after write.'
   Note: This step will impact performance, therefore, disable 'Flush file buffer after write' once the procedure has been completed.
   
8. Start the Strategy Distribution Manager, Logging Client, Logging Server, and Logging Consumer.
9. Reproduce the issue.
10. Save the newly generated DELogs in a separate location (e.g., a folder).
11. By assessing the DELog, identify which Narrowcast component(s) will require level tracing if the problem has not been clearly identified at this point.
    Tip: If the problem involves a service, tracing the Service ID might be of help. The Service ID can be obtained by looking into the service's properties.
    Note: If unable to identify the problem, consult Strategy Technical Support. To expedite the process, include the DELog file(s) obtained up to this point and any other information that might be needed (e.g., Service ID).
    
12. Once the component(s) has been identifying for further analysis, continue with the following procedure.

 
Obtain component(s) level trace information
Warning: The following steps will impact performance; therefore, revert the steps once the process has been completed.

1. Open the registry by going to Start > Run and enter 'regedit.'
2. Navigate to the following location:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MicroStrategy\Strategy Broadcast Server\7.0\Distributed Logging Service\MLS Client Settings\Logging Levels
   
3. Enable (set to 1) the Level_Debug and Level_Trace registry key.
4. Enable the identified components(s) for Level Trace (e.g.Level_Trace_DM, Level_Trace_ISM).
5. Navigate to the following location:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MicroStrategy\Strategy Broadcast Server\7.0\Distributed Logging Service\LoggingConsumer
   
6. Ensure 'Flush file buffer after write' is enabled.
7. Stop the Strategy Logging Client, Logging Server, and Logging Consumer.
   Note: Stopping the Logging Client will stop the Distribution Manager.
   
8. Delete (or move) any existing DELog files (not the files created in the preliminary procedure).
9. Start the Strategy Distribution Manager, Logging Client, Logging Server, and Logging Consumer.
10. Reproduce the issue.
11. Save the newly generated DELogs in a separate location and send to Strategy Technical Support. To expedite the process, include the any other information that might be needed (e.g., Service ID).