How to enable vmware logging on a VM?

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

When vmware logging on a VM is disabled, there will be no vmware.log files for the VM in the VM folder.

Resolution

Validate if vmware logging is disabled.

1. Check the VM's vmx file if logging parameter is set to "FALSE". If the value is "FALSE", then vmware logging for the VM is disabled. By default, logging is enabled, and there is no parameter called logging in the vmx file.

$ less VM.vmx | grep -i logging
logging = "FALSE"

2.  From the vCenter UI -> Select the VM -> Actions -> Edit settings -> VM options -> Advanced -> Enable Logging 

If vmware logging is disabled, follow the steps below to enable.

1. Shut down the VM.

2. From the vCenter UI -> Select the VM -> Actions -> Edit settings -> VM options -> Advanced 

3. Enable the field for "Enable logging" and save.

4. Power on the VM.