# Trace Messages for the Server

The TIBCO Enterprise Message Service server can be configured to produce trace messages. These messages can describe actions performed for various areas of functionality (for example, Access Control, Administration, or Routing). These messages can also provide information about activities performed on or by the server, or the messages can provide warnings in the event of failures or illegal actions.

Trace messages can be sent to a log file, the console, or both. You configure tracing in the following ways:

- By configuring the `log_trace` and/or `console_trace` parameters in the tibemsd.conf file; see set server.
- By specifying the `-trace` option when starting the server
- By using the `set server` command when the server is running.

`log_trace` and `console_trace` can be used to configure what types of messages are to go to the log file and to the console.

Note: When you want trace messages to be sent to a log file, you must also configure the `logfile` configuration parameter. If you specify `log_trace`, and the `logfile` configuration parameter is not set to a valid file, the tracing options are stored, but they are not used until the server is started with a valid log file.

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