Description for event id from source cannot be found

Viewed 156404

When I write a log into windows event log, I get the event below, what's the root cause of this message, and how can I fix it? Many Thanks

The description for Event ID 51001 from source RRWS cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

The following information was included with the event:

test log messge

the message resource is present but the message is not found in the string/message table

11 Answers

How about a real world solution.

If all you need is a "quick and dirty" way to write something to the event log without registering "custom sources" (requires admin rights), or providing "message files" (requires work and headache) just do this:

EventLog.WriteEntry(
    ".NET Runtime", //magic
    "Your error message goes here!!",
    EventLogEntryType.Warning,
    1000); //magic

This way you'll be writing to an existing "Application" log without the annoying "The description for Event ID 0 cannot be found"

If you want the "magic" part explained I blogged about it here

Improving on the answer by @Alex, I suggest the following:

            using (EventLog eventLog = new EventLog("Application"))
            {
                //You cannot be sure if the current identity has permissions to register the event source.
                try
                {
                    if (System.Web.HttpRuntime.AppDomainAppId != null)
                    {
                        eventLog.Source = System.Web.HttpRuntime.AppDomainAppId;
                    }
                    else
                    {
                        eventLog.Source = Process.GetCurrentProcess().ProcessName;
                    }
                }
                catch (SecurityException)
                {
                    eventLog.Source = "Application";
                }

                eventLog.WriteEntry("Log message example", EventLogEntryType.Information, 1000);
            }

It is important here not to specify category parameter. If you do, and this is the same for the .NET Runtime so-called magic, the

The description for Event ID <...> from source <...> cannot be found.

is going to appear.

Related