How to Log Windows XP System Activity

1. Open the Event Viewer console. Click on the Start button to access the Start Menu. Click on 'Control Panel.' Click 'Performance and Maintenance,' then click 'Administrative Tools.' Double-click the 'Event Viewer' link. Please note: If your Windows XP operating system is set to 'Classic View' you may not see the 'Performance and Maintenance' category. Instead go directly to 'Administrative Tools' from the 'Control Panel.'Alternatively, click on the 'Run' command in the Start menu, and type 'eventvwr.msc' in the field labeled 'Open.' Click 'OK' to open Event Viewer.
2. Move the mouse cursor to the left-pane of the 'Event Viewer' console window. You will see a 'console tree' with log categories such as 'Application,' 'Security' and 'System.'
3. Ensure 'Event Types' are check-marked. Right-click on the 'Application' log category in the left pane and select 'Properties.' After the 'Properties' dialog box is open, click the 'Filter' tab to the front. Look in the 'Event Types' section and put a check mark in each of the following options: 'Information,' 'Warning,' 'Error,' Success Audit' and 'Failure Audit.' Click 'Apply' and 'OK,' closing the 'Properties' dialog box. You should only see the Event Viewer console window.Repeat this step for the 'System' and 'Security' log categories.
4. Move the mouse cursor back to the Event Viewer console window. Left-click on any log category back in the console tree in the left-pane. Look in the right pane to see logged system activity and events.