Use Performance Monitor’s Data Collector Set wizard to record selected Windows performance counters over time. Open perfmon, create a user-defined set, choose the counters and sampling options that fit the problem, then start the set and review the resulting log. You can also create and manage a counter set with logman.exe when you need a repeatable command-line setup.
Before you create the collector
Performance Monitor is included with full versions of Windows, and its Data Collector Sets can store selected counter data for later analysis. Microsoft describes the tool in its Windows performance troubleshooting guidance.
First identify the symptom you want to investigate. A focused set of counters is easier to analyze than a broad collection, and the sample interval, duration, output format, and file-size limit affect both the detail captured and the storage required. Make sure the output directory exists and has enough free space.
Create a custom Data Collector Set in the GUI
- Open Performance Monitor. Search the Start menu for
perfmonand open the app. - Start a new user-defined set. In the navigation pane, expand Data Collector Sets, right-click User-defined, and select New > Data Collector Set.
- Name the set and choose manual setup. Enter a descriptive name, select Create manually (Advanced), and continue.
- Select what to collect. For sampled performance metrics, choose the performance-counter option and add counters relevant to the symptom. For provider-generated events, choose Event trace data and add the required provider. Event tracing is a different collection type from counter logging; a Microsoft walkthrough showing it uses a Business Central-specific provider, so that provider is not a general-purpose recommendation.
- Configure the log destination and finish. Set the root directory for the output. Choose an interval and other available logging options appropriate to the investigation, and account for the expected duration and volume when selecting the location.
- Run the set when needed. In the navigation pane, right-click the new set and select Start. To finish, right-click it and select Stop. An event-trace collection in Microsoft’s walkthrough produces an
.etlfile in the selected location.
Choose counters, interval, and log limits deliberately
Choose counters that answer the question
Add only metrics that can help explain the observed issue. Microsoft’s logman reference shows counter paths such as Processor(_Total)% Processor time. Wildcards can select multiple instances, but a wide counter list can make the log larger and harder to interpret.
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Match the sampling interval to the symptom
A shorter interval captures changes more frequently, but creates denser data. Microsoft notes that Performance Monitor graphs can display up to 1,000 data points; denser captures may be summarized in the graph, potentially obscuring spikes. Choose an interval that preserves useful detail for the time window you plan to inspect rather than automatically choosing the shortest possible one. A 15-second interval in Microsoft’s troubleshooting example is specific to that analysis, not a universal setting.
Plan the output size and duration
Choose an output format, maximum size, and collection duration or schedule that suit the available disk space. Microsoft’s logman command reference documents controls for format, size, overwrite, append, and file rollover; it also states that CSV logs are limited to 2 GB. Circular logging can help prevent uncontrolled growth by reusing log space, but it means older data may be replaced as collection continues.
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Create and run a counter set with Logman
For scripting or repeatable setup, use logman.exe from an elevated Command Prompt. The following Microsoft example creates a circular binary log with a maximum size of 800 MB and samples every 15 seconds. Its broad counter list and values are examples, not requirements for every investigation.
logman.exe create counter PerfLog-15Sec-Contoso -o "c:perflogsContoso_PerfLog-15sec.blg" -f bincirc -v mmddhhmm -max 800 -c "LogicalDisk(*)*" "Memory*" "Network Interface(*)*" "PhysicalDisk(*)*" "Processor(*)*" "Process(*)*" "System*" -si 00:00:15
logman.exe start PerfLog-15Sec-Contoso
logman.exe stop PerfLog-15Sec-ContosoIn this example, -c specifies counters, -si sets the sample interval, -o sets the output path, -f selects the log format, and -max sets the size limit. The command reference also documents -rf for run duration and -b and -e for scheduled start and end times. Adjust the counter list, interval, path, format, and limits to fit the issue and environment. A separate Microsoft local troubleshooting example uses one-second sampling and a 2 GB maximum and explicitly notes that the interval can be changed; those figures are also example settings, not general recommendations. See Microsoft’s performance troubleshooting example and the Logman command reference.
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Reuse a configuration or collect remotely
Export and import a set
To reuse a configuration, export a Data Collector Set to XML with Logman and import it later under a chosen name. Microsoft documents the export and import options in its Logman reference.
Remote collection
Remote logging is possible, but the setup requires specifying the remote server and credentials. Permissions and connectivity requirements depend on the environment; Microsoft’s remote example should not be treated as a universal configuration.
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Know what the log can and cannot show
Performance-counter logging records sampled metrics, while event tracing captures events emitted by selected providers. Choose the collector type and analysis method based on the evidence you need. Microsoft also states that Performance Monitor does not access or log kernel information, so it should not be treated as a complete kernel trace. Its description of Performance Monitor as lightweight applies to a particular high-CPU troubleshooting use case, not every workload or collection configuration.
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