How to Clean the Windows XP Security Events Log Via the Command Line

You can clear the XP security log from the command line.

Windows XP automatically creates logs of most of the events that take place on the computer for later review. The logs are stored in different categories including "Application," "Event" and "Security." The security log contains, among other details, both successful and unsuccessful attempts to log in to the computer. If you need to clear the Windows XP security log, perhaps because it has become too large and you are beginning to see error messages, you can do so from the command line.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and then click "Run." Type "cmd" in the "Run" dialog box and press "Enter." The command prompt is displayed.

2. Type "wmic" and press "Enter." Windows asks you to wait while "WMIC" is installed. When the installation is complete, the command prompt changes to "wmic:root/cli."

3. Type

   :nteventlog where "Logfilename = 'Security'" Call ClearEventLog

   Press "Enter." The command prompt displays a message asking you to confirm the operation.

4. Type "Y" and press "Enter." The message "Method execution successful" is displayed. The Windows XP security log is cleared.

5. Close the command prompt to resume using the computer.

References

• Recipester: How to Clear Events in Windows XP