NOTE: This article applies to PaperCut Quota. PaperCut NG has unlimited log sizes and has a smart log rotation procedure for text based system and print logs.

We are a school who have been running PaperCut for approximately one year. We would like to clear out the database of print jobs prior to this school year. How do I perform a partial clear?

This is possible via a manual procedure. Fortunately PaperCut uses the Microsoft Access file format for logs, so it is possible to manipulate the data directly. This process will require a copy of Microsoft Access 2000 or higher.

1) Ensure PaperCut is closed and the PaperCut Print Charging service listed under Start->Settings->Control Panel->Services is Stopped.

2) As a first step, backup the PrintJobLog.mdb file located in the PaperCut Logs by taking a copy and placing it the PaperCut backup's directory:

C:\Program Files\PaperCut\Backups

3) Copy the file:

C:\Program Files\PaperCut\Logs\PrintJobLog.mdb

located in the PaperCut "logs" directory file to a location accessible by a copy of MS Access (e.g. maybe from the print server to a desktop workstation).

4) Open the file within MS Access.

5) Navigate to the Tables section and open the JobLog table.

6) Use standard Windows "shift select" to select the multiple rows to be deleted. All log entries will be listed in date order by default. Press the delete button to remove the rows.

7) Confirm the delete operation and close Microsoft Access.

8) Copy the edited PrintJobLog.mdb back to the server replacing the existing one copied in step 3.

9) Restart the PaperCut Print Charging Service and test.

Categories: Administration