How to fix “The event log file is full. [ERROR_LOG_FILE_FULL (0x5DE)]” – Error Code 1502

Overview

In this article, we’ll focus on resolving the issue described as: “The event log file is full. [ERROR_LOG_FILE_FULL (0x5DE)]”. This error, identified by the error code Error Code 1502, can impede your system’s performance, and here’s how you can fix it.

Identifying the Problem

Error Code 1502 occurs when the event log file becomes full, causing the system to be unable to record new events. Common scenarios include:
– Running resource-intensive applications that generate a large volume of events.
– Misconfiguration of event logging settings, such as excessive logging levels or a small log file size.
– Hardware issues, such as a failing hard drive or memory problems.

Common Fixes

Solution 1: Clear the Event Log

1. Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc).
2. Navigate to Windows Logs > Application.
3. Right-click on the log file and select “Clear Log”.
4. Repeat for other relevant logs.

Solution 2: Increase the Event Log Size

1. Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc).
2. Right-click on the log file and select “Properties”.
3. Under “Log Size”, increase the “Maximum log size” value.
4. Click “OK” to save changes.

Solution 3: Check System Event Logs

1. Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc).
2. Navigate to Windows Logs > System.
3. Check for any errors or warnings that may indicate a hardware problem.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Solution 4: Use the Event Log Truncation Utility

1. Download the Event Log Truncation Utility from Microsoft.
2. Run the utility and select the desired log file.
3. Enter a truncation threshold to remove old events.

Solution 5: Reset the Event Logging Service

1. Press Windows Key + R and type “services.msc”.
2. Find the “Event Log” service.
3. Right-click on the service and select “Restart”.

Solution 6: Check Disk Space

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the event logs (typically C:\Windows\System32\Winevt\Logs).
2. Ensure there is sufficient free disk space.

Conclusion

By following the solutions provided in this article, you should be able to resolve Error Code 1502 (ERROR_LOG_FILE_FULL). Additionally, consider the following tips to prevent future occurrences:
– Configure event logging settings to generate only essential events.
– Regularly clear old event logs.
– Monitor system performance to identify potential issues that could lead to excessive event logging.
– Perform regular maintenance and updates to keep your system functioning optimally.