A review of the Purge Log file (PURGE.TXT) can be used to determine why a particular item did not get purged. The actual contents of the purge log will vary depending on which purge options were selected and what data the purge process encounters. The PURGE.TXT file can be found in the company data folder. For instructions on finding the company data folder, see How to locate company directories.

• The name and data path for the company whose data was purged and notes when the process started and ended.
• A summary of the options you chose in the Purge wizard; these are the same as listed in the Purge wizard Summary of Options window. The options include:
  • Old transaction types you chose to purge and the purge-through date
  • Accounts that required account reconciliation before purging
  • Inactive maintenance record types that you chose to purge
  • The log explains that in order to be purged, items must pass certain purge criteria. Then it lists the items that were not purged and the reasons why.
• Finally, the log notes how many transactions and records in all were purged

Note: The purge log file appends itself every time the Purge process is run, so that file will begin with information regarding the first purge that was performed on the company data set; this may predate the current test. Start your review of the current purge process by first finding the date for the purge in question. You can use the Find feature in Notepad by pressing CTRL+F and enter Purge process started at, then click Find Next until you see the information regarding the current purge.