Apache Logs

[ultrabook]

I am attempting to reset my log files after extensive testing of my site so that they actually start to reflect the number of outside users are accessing it. I have read that one mustn't simply delete the logs and restart the server, that they must be moved and the following command should be run:

kill -t `cat /var/run/httpd.pid`

I have gotten up to this far and have not been successful in removing the old information from the logs. The logs are regenerated and start out at 0k. However, when I access the statistical information via Webalizer, all the old information is still showing up, logs dating back several months. I've looked at the actual log file and its contents don't reflect information back that far. I suppose the real question is with regard to Webalizer and how to remove the previous log information from its output. I have deleted the files generated by it and re-run it, and had no luck.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[ultrabook]

i recounted the kill command that i ran incorrectly. it was as follows:

kill -1 `cat /var/run/httpd.pid`

[MattCauth]

All you need to do to clear out your logs (no need to stop apache) is:

cat /dev/null > /path/to/logs/access_log
cat /dev/null > /path/to/logs/error_log

I do this from time to time (when I don't rotate them with logrotate, cronolog, etc) and it works great.

Matt