Description for event id from source cannot be found

I got this error after creating an event source under the Application Log from the command line using "EventCreate". This command creates a new key under: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Eventlog\Application

If you look at the Key that's been created (e.g. SourceTest) there will be a string value calledEventMessageFile, which for me was set to %SystemRoot%\System32\EventCreate.exe.

Change this to c:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\EventLogMessages.dll

Delete theCustomSource and TypesSupported values.

This should stop the "The description for Event ID...." message.

How about a real world solution.

If all you need is a "quick and dirty" way to write something to the event log without registering "custom sources" (requires admin rights), or providing "message files" (requires work and headache) just do this:

EventLog.WriteEntry(
    ".NET Runtime", //magic
    "Your error message goes here!!",
    EventLogEntryType.Warning,
    1000); //magic

This way you'll be writing to an existing "Application" log without the annoying "The description for Event ID 0 cannot be found"

If you want the "magic" part explained I blogged about it here