IBM Support

IBM AIX: How to Download, Install and Use rsyslog In Place of the Native syslog Logging Service

How To


Summary

This document explains how to download, install and use rsyslog in stead of the AIX native syslog logging service.

Steps

In order to install rsyslog, we want to download the package from AIX Web Download Pack Programs website using the link below:
https://www-01.ibm.com/marketing/iwm/iwm/web/dispatcher.do?source=aixbp
 
When you scroll down the webpage, you will see a list of the available rsyslog versions. You may choose any of them.
 

After the chosen package has downloaded, you can follow the instructions below to install rsyslog:
1. Make a directory for the downloaded package archive, and move the package into that directory:

# mkdir rsyslog
# mv install.images.ryslog-8.1905.0.tar rsyslog

2. Browse to rsyslog directory and then extract the archived package from the downloaded tar file:

# cd rsyslog
# tar -xvf install.images.ryslog-8.1905.0.tar

3. Create a table of content file that is used by installp process to locate the packages to be installed:

# inutoc .

4. Use smitty installp to install the packages:

# smitty installp
5. Then, choose "Install Software".
 

6. Specify the directory containing the packages to be installed (rsyslog, which is the current directory):

* INPUT device / directory for software              [.]
7. Press Esc+4 to list the available packages, then select "rsyslog.base" and "rsyslog.license" packages, then hit enter.
 
8. Scroll down and set accept license agreement to "yes". The resulting smitty menu should look like this:
Type or select values in entry fields.
Press Enter AFTER making all desired changes.
 
                                                        [Entry Fields]
* INPUT device / directory for software               .
* SOFTWARE to install                                [rsyslog.base  ALL  @@I:rsyslog.base _all_filesets,rsyslog.license   > +
  PREVIEW only? (install operation will NOT occur)    no                                                                                                                                                 +
  COMMIT software updates?                            yes                                                                                                                                                +
  SAVE replaced files?                                no                                                                                                                                                 +
  AUTOMATICALLY install requisite software?           yes                                                                                                                                                +
  EXTEND file systems if space needed?                yes                                                                                                                                                +
  OVERWRITE same or newer versions?                   no                                                                                                                                                 +
  VERIFY install and check file sizes?                no                                                                                                                                                 +
  Include corresponding LANGUAGE filesets?            yes                                                                                                                                                +
  DETAILED output?                                    no                                                                                                                                                 +
  Process multiple volumes?                           yes                                                                                                                                                +
  ACCEPT new license agreements?                      yes                                                                                                                                                +
  PREVIEW new LICENSE agreements?                     no                                                                                                                                                 +
  WPAR Management
      Perform Operation in Global Environment         yes                                                                                                                                                +
      Perform Operation on Detached WPARs             no                                                                                                                                                 +
          Detached WPAR Names                        [_all_wpars]                                                                                                                                        +
      Remount Installation Device in WPARs            yes                                                                                                                                                +
      Alternate WPAR Installation Device             []
9. Hit Enter to proceed with the installation.
 

10. Once installed, we need to invoke "syslog_ssw" script with -r flag, in order to switch from the native syslog to rsyslog:

# syslog_ssw -r
This would bring down the existing syslogd and start the newly installed rsyslogd. The switching script also updates the necessary ODM entries.
 
11. Run the following command to convert the syslog configuration rules in the syslog.conf file into rsyslog configuration rules in rsyslog.conf file:
cd /etc/
syslog_ssw -c syslog.conf rsyslog.conf

Additional Information

SUPPORT

If you require more assistance, use the following step-by-step instructions to contact IBM to open a case for software with an active and valid support contract.  

1.  Document (or collect screen captures of) all symptoms, errors, and messages related to your issue.

2.  Capture any logs or data relevant to the situation.

3.  Contact IBM to open a case:

   -For electronic support, see the IBM Support Community:
     https://www.ibm.com/mysupport
   -If you require telephone support, see the web page:
      https://www.ibm.com/planetwide/

4.  Provide a clear, concise description of the issue.

 

Document Location

Worldwide

[{"Line of Business":{"code":"LOB08","label":"Cognitive Systems"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU058","label":"IBM Infrastructure w\/TPS"},"Product":{"code":"SWG10","label":"AIX"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m0z000000cvxuAAA","label":"Communication Applications-\u003ESYSLOG\/RSYSLOG"}],"ARM Case Number":"","Platform":[{"code":"PF025","label":"Platform Independent"}],"Version":"All Version(s)"}]

Document Information

Modified date:
19 March 2026

UID

ibm16374124

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