Validate configuration and reload it safely#

When to use this procedure#

Use for parsing, missing-object, unsupported-option, and reload events.

Applies to#

This procedure applies to WinSyslog.

Prerequisites#

  • Use an account that can read the product configuration and Windows diagnostic state.

  • Replace angle-bracket placeholders with values from the affected system.

Safety#

  • Run diagnostic checks before changing configuration.

  • Remove passwords, private keys, license data, and other secrets from evidence.

Configuration path#

Configuration Client > the service, rule, or action named on the Event ID page.

Procedure#

  1. Export the configuration and open the exact service, rule, filter, or action named in the event.

    Expected result: The affected object and its effective settings are identified.

    If it fails: Return to the complete Event Log detail and configuration export before changing settings.

  2. Run the native Windows checks below from the affected product host.

    Get-Item -LiteralPath '<CONFIG_EXPORT>' | Format-List FullName,Length,LastWriteTime

    Expected result: A readable pre-change backup exists and all required fields reference valid product objects.

    If it fails: Restore the export if the edited configuration cannot load; do not copy objects from another product manual.

  3. Perform one uniquely identifiable product test through the same service, rule, or action.

    Expected result: The intended destination records the test exactly once.

    If it fails: Collect the first new product event and bounded debug output; do not change unrelated settings.

Rollback#

  1. Restore the configuration export created before the change.

  2. Reload the restored configuration and verify the previous behavior.

Verify the result#

Repeat the affected operation, confirm its positive output, and verify that queues, collection positions, or remote delivery continue normally.

Evidence to collect#

  • The complete Event Log entry and neighboring product events with timestamps.

  • The command output, relevant configuration export, and bounded debug log from the same interval.