Troubleshooting Configuration Manager Client
Overview
Troubleshooting client health, policy processing, and management point communication.
Reading Logs
Support Center - Configuration Manager is another great tool for troubleshooting clients.
Here’s the quickstart guide for that Support Center quickstart - Configuration Manager
The installer is found in the same folder as the client installer.
\\aus-dp.austin.utexas.edu\sccmclient\SupportCenterInstaller.msi
The CMTrace log viewing tool is automatically installed along with the Configuration Manager client and makes it easier to read .log files. It's added to the client installation directory, which by default is %WinDir%\ccm\cmtrace.exe. Simply run the executable, there's no need to "install" it and if desired you can associate it with .log files.
Remotely reading logs
This is helpful when you are physically unable to access the client.
What Is Included
The collected bundle typically contains:
Client service and policy logs (e.g., PolicyAgent.log, CcmExec.log)
Software update logs (e.g., UpdatesDeployment.log, WUAHandler.log)
Content transfer logs (e.g., ContentTransferManager.log, DataTransferService.log)
Application deployment logs (e.g., AppDiscovery.log, AppEnforce.log)
What Is Not Included
Site server logs (MP, DP, SUP, etc.)
Windows Event Logs
Windows Update logs (outside ConfigMgr context)
Use this sparingly as it does take up more space on the site’s SQL database.
Right click on a device in the console, then navigate to Client Diagnostics and click on Collect Client Logs
If the client is online, it may take a few minutes for the logs to be gathered. The logs will not be gathered until the client is online and responds to the request.
Open Resource Explorer to access the collected logs.
Find Diagnostic Files and on the right side you should see what you just collected. Double click on it to open them.
You will then be able to view all the CM related logs.
CMTrace Tips:
Error Code lookup:
Click on Tools | Error Lookup (or use CTRL-L). Type in an error code and then click Lookup to display more information about the error.Merge Logs:
You can view multiple logs in the same window. This is useful when troubleshooting with multiple logs that have overlapping time frames. Click on File | Open and select multiple logs, then check the box for "Merge selected files" before you click Open.Highlighting:
Click on Tools | Highlight. This will highlight lines that contain the specified text. By default, any line that contains "error" or "fail" will already be highlighted in red.
Client Installation
If the client was pushed out (installed) but you can't find the applet in the control panel or policies do not appear to be assigned, review the installation logs to search for errors that might help determine the issue.
Installation logs location:
C:\Windows\CCMSetup\Logs
General Operation
Review operational logs
Operational logs location:
C:\Windows\CCM\LogsFor log description information see the
Log file reference - Configuration Manager
Review Windows Event logs
log=Application log, source=Configuration Manager Agent
Removal
Uninstall an existing Configuration Manager client:
Run this command from an elevated prompt:
c:\Windows\CCMSetup\ccmsetup.exe /uninstallEnsure the following registry keys no longer exist following the uninstall. Manually remove them if necessary:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CCM Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CCMSetup Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SMSEnsure the following directories no longer exist following the uninstall. Manually remove them if necessary:
C:\Windows\CCMSetup C:\Windows\CCMcache C:\Windows\CCM
Need More Help?
Submit a ServiceNow request to the Core EPM Team by sending email to epm-requests@its.utexas.edu
Be sure to include your department code and any relevant information such as what steps you have taken and/or what issues you are seeing.
Log File Reference
Client Core / Policy
Log File | Purpose |
|---|---|
CcmExec.log | Core client service activity |
PolicyAgent.log | Policy retrieval and processing |
PolicyEvaluator.log | Policy evaluation |
LocationServices.log | Management Point and Distribution Point location |
ClientIDManagerStartup.log | Client registration and GUID assignment |
Content Distribution / Download
Log File | Purpose |
|---|---|
ContentTransferManager.log | Schedules and manages content downloads |
DataTransferService.log | Handles BITS download activity |
CAS.log | Content access and client cache management |
Software Updates
Log File | Purpose |
|---|---|
UpdatesDeployment.log | Update deployment and enforcement |
WUAHandler.log | Windows Update Agent interaction |
ScanAgent.log | Update scan and detection activity |
Application Deployment
Log File | Purpose |
|---|---|
AppDiscovery.log | Application detection logic |
AppEnforce.log | Application install/uninstall enforcement |
ExecMgr.log | Program/package execution |
State and Compliance
Log File | Purpose |
|---|---|
UpdatesStore.log | Update state tracking |
StateMessage.log | Client state message reporting |
StatusAgent.log | Status message generation |
Inventory / General Client Activity
Log File | Purpose |
|---|---|
InventoryAgent.log | Hardware and software inventory |
CcmEval.log | Client health evaluation |
Scheduler.log | Scheduled task execution |
Log Collection / Diagnostics
Log File | Purpose |
|---|---|
Diagnostics.log | Confirms log collection and upload status |