# Create an Export Log Task

You can use Log Export tasks to export log data from the Log Server or from the Management Server.

##

For more details about the product and how to configure features, click Help or press F1.

## Steps

1. Select Configuration, then browse to Administration.
2. Browse to Tasks.
3. Right-click Tasks, then select New > Export Log Task.
4. Configure the settings.
5. Select the server from which the log data is exported and click Add.
6. Click OK.

## Result

The task appears under Task Definitions in the Tasks branch of the Administration tree. You can run the task either manually or according to a fixed schedule.

## Export Log Task Properties dialog box

Use this dialog box to copy log data from the active storage to the selected location.

Option | Definition
--- | ---
General tab
Name | Specifies the Export Log Task name.
Comment | An optional comment for your own reference.
Operation Type | Select the format to export in. Export XML — Exports log data in XML format. Export CSV — Exports log data in comma separated value format. Export JSON — Exports log data in JSON format. Export Short CSV — Exports log data in short comma separated value format. Export CEF — Exports log data in common event format. Export LEEF — Exports log data in log extended event format. Export NetFlow v9 — Exports log data in a format that is compatible with NetFlow v9. Export IPFIX — Exports log data in a format that is compatible with IPFIX. Export McAfee ESM — Exports log data in a format that is compatible with McAfee ESM. Export IPS Recordings as PCAP — Exports traffic recordings in PCAP format. Export IPS Recordings as SNOOP — Exports traffic recordings in SNOOP format.
Servers | Shows the servers from which you can export logs.
Search | Opens a search field for the selected element list.
Up | Navigates up one level in the navigation hierarchy. Not available at the top level of the navigation hierarchy.
Tools | New — Creates an element of the specified type. Show Deleted Elements — Shows elements that have been moved to the Trash.
Add | Adds the selected servers to the Target list.
Remove | Removes the selected servers from the Target list.
Target | Shows the servers that you have selected.

Option | Definition
--- | ---
Task tab
Target Data | Select the type of log data to archive.
Time Range | Specifies the time range of the log entries. You have several options to limit the time range. For example, select Absolute Time Range in the Time Range list and define the Start and End Time.
Script to Execute After the Task | The Log Server triggers this script after completing the task. The script is located at /data/script sub-folder in the SMC installation directory. The `LOG_SCRIPT_DIR` parameter defines this script directory path in the LogServerConfiguration.txt

Option | Definition
--- | ---
Operation tab
Storage directories to export from | Select the storage directories from which to export the data. Default — The directory where active log data is stored on the selected server. Primary archive — The directory where archived log data is stored. Custom — Allows you to select one or more directories from the list. If the file exists, specify what happens when a previous file with the same name exists in the same folder: Append — The new data is inserted at the end of the existing file. Overwrite — The previous file is replaced with the new export file. Use Number in File Name — A number is added to the end of the new file’s name. Fail Task — The operation is canceled.
Filter for Exporting (Optional) | Select the filter for exporting.
Select | Opens the Select Filter dialog box.
IPS Record ID (Optional, IPS traffic recordings only) | Enter the IPS Record ID of the traffic capture.
Destination file | Specifies a name for the destination file. Note: The destination file is saved in the `<installation directory>/data/export` directory on the Log Server. You can use the following variables to automatically add information to the file name: %D — Adds the file creation date to the file name. %T — Adds the file creation time to the file name. %S — Adds the name of the server from which the log data was exported to the file name.
Browse | This option is not supported in Export Log Tasks.
If file already exists | Specifies what happens when a previous file with the same name exists in the same folder: Append — The new data is inserted at the end of the existing file. This option is not supported for traffic recordings. Overwrite — The previous file is replaced with the new export file. Use Number in File Name — A number is added to the end of the new file’s name. Fail Task — The operation is canceled.