How do I avoid this SecurityException when writing to the Event Log?

Question

I can't seem to write to the event log in .NET. I get the following exception:

System.Security.SecurityException: The source was not found, but some or all event logs could not be searched. Inaccessible logs: Security.

I don't want to access the Security log. How do I get around this error? Thanks!

Answer 1

You can try to Start Visual Studio with Run As Administrator permission.

Answer 2

Have you set the source for your eventlog? E.g.:

EventLog.CreateEventSource("My Super App", "Application");

Answer 3

You can try to create an event log in your application like Lachlan suggests but realize that this will require administrator privs. Instead I reccomend that you take care of this in your installer / deployment automation layer.

I use WiX so I recommend reading:

How do you create an event log source using WiX

Answer 4

If, for example, you are developing a service application that use EventLog class and need to test somes classes before running the service, which need to be installed. You can add a app.manifest to your project (not service project, maybe a console application), and in 'requestedExecutionLevel' set the level to "requireAdministrator", when you try to run your project from visual studio, it will ask to elevate the permissions that will (if want)i restart the visual studio, then will be can to use EventLog class.

hope this help,

antonio