How to backup and restore the mlevt file using Section Tool in MassLynx Security - WKB16246

OBJECTIVE or GOAL

Be able to:

• Regularly backup the mlevt file using Section Tool. 
• Restore the mlevt file and re-install MassLynx security after a disaster. 

ENVIRONMENT

MassLynx 4.1 and 4.2 Security

PROCEDURE

The .mlevt file is the audit log file and is where all actions performed in MassLynx security are stored. Each action is written to the log as an 'event'.

Because the .mlevt is an active file that is constantly being written to, it is difficult to backup using normal 3rd partly backup tools. That is why we recommend the use of Section Tool which is provided with MassLynx. 

See Section Tool_19thFeb22_for KCS.pdf

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The .mlevt file is an encrypted system file. It is very difficult to delete. However, if it is deleted,  MassLynx will automatically create a new log file.

For the location of the mlevt file, see Where is the MassLynx Security Log File (mlevt) located? - WKB5482

The contents of the audit log can be viewed by starting LogLynx. Users need the appropriate permissions to be able to use LogLynx. 

The size of the log should be kept small by regularly exporting and removing events using Loglynx. This creates .ear (event archive) files which can be archived in a safe location. 

Note that TargetLynx also includes an Audit Trail which is also encrytped and embedded with every TargetLynx dataset (.qld file). This audit trail records the details of actions performed within TargetLynx, such as peak re-integration and deletion of standards from the calibration curve.