06-Dec-2025

Ping with timestamp to file (Extended Logging)

PingTool offers several methods for logging ping availability over a longer period of time (several days / overnight).

Built-in logging

The built-in logging function automatically logs all status changes (device responds / does not respond). The Logfile button can be used to view the status changes with time stamp. Right-click / Real-time Log to obtain the same data specifically for the selected object. However, the built-in logging only refers to status changes - you do not get a detailled logging with response times.

Regular snapshots

Regular snapshots are used to obtain small text files over a longer period of time, which reflect the status of all individual objects (with response times) at the time of the snapshot. The text files are very small, so it is no problem to create snapshots every second. Simply click on the snapshot symbol at the top right and set the snapshot interval to 1 second. You can view the results via the “Snapshots” button.

Extended logging

With extended logging enabled, you can generate a comprehensive log file that records each event with precise timestamps and the response times of individual objects. This allows you to monitor system behavior and performance trends over an extended period.

Proceed as follows to set up extended logging:

1. Click on the 3-dot menu (...) and on “User-defined actions”.
2. Enter Extended logging as the display text.
3. Enter the following command: PowerShell.exe "ping.exe -t %hostname% | Foreach{'{0} - {1}' -f (Get-Date),$_} | Tee-Object -append -file %PingToolPath%\User\%hostname%.log"
4. Activate the action on the left and click on “Bold” on the right to display it in bold.

Click OK and apply the action with the right mouse button to an object from the list.

A Powershell window opens with the output of the command for direct examination. Additionally, the output is logged in a log file located in the %localappdata%\PingTool\User directory, for example C:\Users\admin\AppData\Local\PingTool\User.

Attention: Do not close the Powershell window as long as extended logging is active.