VMAX IP Plus Log Access Guide

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Affected Roles: All Users

Last Edit: July 22, 2026

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Security Authentication: How to Access and Search Logs on VMAX IP Systems

This guide explains how to access system and event logs directly from the VMAX IP Plus recorder for troubleshooting and system review. System and Event Logs provide information into recorder activity and are essential tools for troubleshooting, system verification, and event review. Logs can be used to identify:

Configuration and setup changes
Network activity and connectivity events
Alarm and motion events
Recording interruptions
Storage-related conditions (e.g., disk full)

This article outlines the available methods to access and search logs on DW VMAX IP Plus and VMAX IP G4 recorders:

Accessing logs directly from the NVR
Accessing logs through the NVR’s Web Interface

Supported/Affected Devices:

VMAX IP Plus Series
VMAX IP G4

Before performing a log search, verify the following:

Date and Time Settings
Ensure the recorder’s date and time are configured correctly.
- Incorrect settings may prevent logs from appearing within the selected search range.
User Permissions
Confirm the logged-in account has appropriate permissions.
- Administrator or authorized user access is required to view logs.
Search Range
Use a specific date and time range to refine results.

Accessing Logs Directly from the NVR

Step 1: Log in to the recorder using an Administrator or authorized user account.

Step 2: Open the Main Menu

From the Live View screen:

Right-click using the mouse

Navigate to: Search

The log menu will display the available log options, including System Log and Event Log.

The access path remains the same:
Search → System Log
or
Search → Event Log

Step 3:

Select the date and event type, then click Search.

System Log

The System Log is used to review system-level activity, including:

System events and status changes
Configuration and setup modifications
Network connectivity activity

Event Log

The Event Log is used to review recorder-generated events, including:

Sensor triggers
Motion detection events
Video loss occurrences
Disk full and storage-related alerts

Accessing Logs Through the Web Interface

Step 1: Access the Device

Please connect to the recorder using one of the following methods:

Direct IP Address
DDNS address (if configured)
Pathfinder connection (if applicable)

Step 2: Log In

Step 3: Open the Setup Menu

Please select SETUP from the top navigation bar.

Step 4: Navigate to Logs

Select Log.

Step 5: Select Log Type

The Log menu will present the following options:

System Log
Event Log
DW (V-Class)
DW (X-Class)

Step 6: Apply Filters and Search

Select the desired date range.
Choose the applicable log types.
Click Search.

System Log

Displays system-related activities, including:

System events
Configuration changes
Network activity

Event Log

Displays event-based activities, including:

Motion detection
Sensor triggers
Video loss
Disk full alerts

Note: If the following message appears during a search: "NO LOG (ERR=-1)." this indicates that no logs exist for the selected search criteria.

DW (V-Class) and DW (X-Class)

These options are part of the Special Camera Search Feature.

For further information, please refer to: https://support.digital-watchdog.com/hc/en-us/articles/43286392887956-VMAX-IP-G4-NVR-Special-Camera-Search-Feature

myDW Subscription

For enhanced system monitoring and proactive maintenance, Digital Watchdog recommends the myDW Health Monitoring Service.

For more information, refer to: https://support.digital-watchdog.com/hc/en-us/articles/47283653238036-myDW-Health-Monitoring-Service-Explained

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For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support: https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

DW Sales: sales@digital-watchdog.com | www.digital-watchdog.com