How to enable the Windows PrintService Event logging?

Question:

How do I enable the Windows PrintService Event logging?

Answer:

By default, print jobs on Windows Server are not logged in the Windows Event Viewer, but can be extremely helpful when trying to troubleshoot issues that rely on tracing a job from the start to finish of it’s print trip! It can also be useful to assist with troubleshooting printing/driver related problems.

Windows 2012

To enable this option go to: Start → Server Manager → Tools → Event Viewer.

From here, you will want to expand Applications and Service Logs, then go to Microsoft → Windows → Print Service → Operational. Then, right click and select Enable log

You may want to right click Operational again create a custom view for the print jobs. We suggest you enable all the different information to be logged.

Windows 2008

To enable this option go to: Start → Administration Tools → Event Viewer → Applications and Service Logs → Microsoft → Windows → Print Service → Operational Right click and select Enable log

You may want to right click Operational again create a custom view for the print jobs. We suggest you enable all the different information to be logged.

I’ve enabled this on Windows 2008 R2 but see no increase in logging?

This is more than likely due to a HotFix from Microsoft needing to be installed.

Microsoft KB article: 979241

This KB article is described as: No event is added to the System log or to an operational channel when a print job is canceled or deleted.

In laymans terms, this means that the Pausing, Resuming and Deletion of print jobs in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 may not be logged. This can be exceptionally useful in tracking down where print jobs are deleted, especially if you haven’t tightened security on your print queues.

Please liaise with your Microsoft Vendor / Advisor and see if this HotFix is suitable for your environment.