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Check the Error Log of an ASP.NET Website in Plesk

This guide shows you how to find the error log of your ASP.NET website in Plesk. The log tells you what went wrong.

Windows Hosting2 min read12 steps11 screenshots

What is an error log?

An error log is a diary kept by the server. Each time something fails on your site, the server writes a short note. Reading the notes helps you find the cause. ASP.NET is Microsoft's system for building websites. Plesk is a control panel, which is a web page where you manage your hosting. Ask Hostvento support whether Plesk is part of your plan.

Steps

  1. Log in to Plesk. Use the link and details from your welcome email.
  2. Click Websites & Domains in the left menu.
  3. Find your domain name.
  4. Click Logs under the domain. In some Plesk versions this is inside Dashboard or under a link named Logs in the tools list.
    plesk panel
    net core extension
  5. Pick the log you need from the list. The Error log shows server errors.
    application startup file
  6. Read the newest lines at the end. Each line has a date and time.
  7. Use the search box or the Download button to save the log if it is long.
    log file directory
    log path

Show the real error on the page

By default, ASP.NET hides detailed errors from visitors. You will only see "Runtime Error". To see more, edit the web.config file. This file holds your site's settings. Take a backup copy of it first.

  1. In Plesk, open Files for your domain.
  2. Open the httpdocs folder.
    apply directory path
  3. Click web.config and choose to edit it.
  4. Inside the <system.web> section, add or change this line: 
    <customErrors mode="Off" />
    This line makes the site show the full error text.
  5. Save the file and reload the page.
Warning: Turn customErrors back to RemoteOnly or On when you are done. Detailed errors can show private information to visitors.

Other places to look

  • The Windows Event Viewer on a server where you have admin rights, under Windows Logs, then Application.
  • Failed request or IIS logs in the Plesk Logs section.
    log list box

If you cannot read the error, send the log lines to Hostvento support in a ticket at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php.

Quick recap

  • The error log is the server's diary of problems.
    log errors
  • In Plesk, go to Websites & Domains, then Logs.
    real time updates
    domain dashboard
    directory path folder
  • Turn off customErrors in web.config to see full errors, then turn it back on.
  • Send the lines to support if you need help.