Can't access apache error logs

Question

My Ubuntu vitual server wen't offline. I rebooted it and now want to debug what happened.

I can browse to /etc/log but if I try cd apache2 it says Permission denied. I'm sure my user account has priviliges. I also tried sudo cd apache2 which gives the the error sudo: cd: command not found

How can I access the apache logs? I also tried via sftp without success

PS I am new to linux and virtual servers, but I am keen to learn everything I can.

@Wilf it then says -bash: cd: apache2: No such file or directory — S.., Feb 16 '14 at 16:12
The logs are located under var not etc. You need to go to /var/log/apache2. If you dont have the rights to enter the folder, open a root terminal. do sudo -i and the go to cd /var/log/apache2 and take a look at the files there. Good luck... — s1mmel, Dec 09 '19 at 09:43

score 39 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 16 '14 at 17:10

39

You need to add your username to the group adm

sudo usermod -aG adm YourUserName

You can then access the logfiles as normal user without sudo.

answered Feb 16 '14 at 17:10

Evenbit GmbH

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Thanks, this worked and made me able to actually browse to directory. – S.. Feb 16 '14 at 18:07
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I had to log in / out of my user session for this permission to take effect. – Horba Jan 29 '15 at 00:15
it working but you Need log-out from ssh and log-in again. then you have access. – Khalil DaNish Dec 20 '18 at 06:51

score 6 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 16 '14 at 16:06

6

Try:

sudo cat /var/log/apache2/error.log

answered Feb 16 '14 at 16:06

wojox

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Thanks wojox, but is there a more permanent solution? Like being able to navigate to the apache2 folder? – S.. Feb 16 '14 at 16:13

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 23 '20 at 16:57

2

You can log in as root user:

sudo su

And then you are able to do:

cd apache2

answered Jan 23 '20 at 16:57

david

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That works, thanks, although is it permanent or will su only have elevated privileges for the current session? – S.. Jan 29 '20 at 09:56
I like the solution by @rechengehirn as it's permanent. – S.. Jan 29 '20 at 09:57
Unfortunately it's not permanent. – david Mar 02 '20 at 13:30

Can't access apache error logs

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