Listing SQL Server log errors

In this recipe, we will list SQL Server log errors.

Getting ready

Check your SQL Server log in Management Studio. This should be what our PowerShell script should report.

How to do it...

Let's check how we can list SQL Server errors using PowerShell:

1. Open the PowerShell console by going to Start | Accessories | Windows PowerShell | Windows PowerShell ISE.

2. Import the SQLPS module, and create a new SMO Server object as follows:

   #import SQL Server module
   Import-Module SQLPS -DisableNameChecking
   
   #replace this with your instance name
   $instanceName = "KERRIGAN"
   $server = New-Object -TypeName Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server -ArgumentList $instanceName

3. Add the following script and run:

   #According to MSDN:
   #ReadErrorLog: returns A StringCollection system object 
   #value that contains an enumerated list of errors from 
   #the SQL Server error log.
   
   #Note we are using PowerShell V3 because of simplified
   #Where-Object syntax
   [datetime]$date = "2011-11-01"
   
   $server.ReadErrorLog...