Windows SXSTRACE command

The Windows sxstrace command is a valuable tool for diagnosing side-by-side configuration errors in applications. By capturing and analyzing trace logs, users can identify missing or incompatible dependencies, conflicts, or other issues causing the errors. This command can help streamline the troubleshooting process and provide valuable insights for resolving compatibility issues efficiently.

SXSTRACE Syntax:

sxstrace [options] [parameter]

Options:

Option	Description
-o	Specifies the output file for the trace log.
-logfile	Specifies the log file to generate.
-logfileonly	Only logs the trace output to the specified log file.
-noisy	Enables verbose output.
-nostatus	Suppresses output of status messages.
-debug	Enables debug output.
-quiet	Suppresses all output.
-xml	Outputs trace data in XML format.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
start	Begins trace monitoring.
stop	Stops trace monitoring and generates the log file.
pause	Pauses trace monitoring.
resume	Resumes trace monitoring.
status	Displays the current trace monitoring status.
reset	Resets the trace configuration settings.
help	Displays the sxstrace command help.

Caution

Be cautious when using the sxstrace command as it can generate a large amount of diagnostic information which may impact system performance.

SXSTRACE Usage:

Enable Tracing

sxstrace trace -logfile:C:\Logs\sxstrace.log

Enables tracing and saves the output to a specified log file.

Disable Tracing

sxstrace stop

Stops the tracing process.

Generate Manifest Files

sxstrace generate C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe

Generates manifest files for the specified application (in this case, Notepad).

Display Trace Results

sxstrace parse -logfile:C:\Logs\sxstrace.log

Parses and displays the results from the specified log file.

:::tip
When using the sxstrace command in Windows, make sure to run the command prompt as an administrator to avoid any permission issues. Additionally, carefully analyze the trace output generated by sxstrace to troubleshoot any Side-by-Side configuration errors effectively.
:::

## Common Questions on SXSTRACE Usage:
### How do I use sxstrace in Windows?
To use the sxstrace command in Windows, execute the following command:
```cmd
sxstrace --start

What is the purpose of the sxstrace command in Windows?

The sxstrace command is used in Windows to trace and log Side-by-Side (SxS) configuration information. This is helpful in troubleshooting issues related to DLL dependencies and activation context.

How can I stop an sxstrace session in Windows?

To stop an sxstrace session in Windows, you can use the following command:

sxstrace --stop

How do I display the configuration in an sxstrace log file?

To display the configuration in an sxtrace log file, you can use the following command:

sxstrace --log-file=<path\to\logfile>

How can I reset the log file created by sxstrace?

To reset the log file created by sxstrace, you can use the following command:

sxstrace --reset

Can I generate a summary of the trace log using sxstrace?

Yes, you can generate a summary of the trace log using sxstrace by using the following command:

sxstrace --summary

Is it possible to customize the output format of the trace log in sxstrace?

Yes, you can customize the output format of the trace log in sxstrace by using the following command:

sxstrace --configure-xml-filter

Applications of the SXSTRACE Command

• Troubleshooting side-by-side configuration errors
• Diagnosing issues related to the loading of assemblies or dependencies
• Understanding the application manifest and policy files being used by an executable
• Analyzing activation contexts and dependencies for an application