Remove-UserPhoto Exchange cmdlet issued (25601) how to monitor with email alert

[bob]

You know that Event ID 25601 in the Windows Server Event Viewer. It pops up whenever someone fires off the Remove-UserPhoto cmdlet in Exchange. Basically, it means a user's photo just got wiped from their profile. I see it logged under the Microsoft-Exchange-MailboxAuditing channel. Details include who did it, like the admin's name or the service account. Timestamp hits right there too. And the target user's email address shows up clear as day. Sometimes it notes the server where Exchange runs. Or if it's a remote session, that info sneaks in. This event helps you track changes to user pics. People might remove them for privacy reasons. Or maybe during cleanup after someone leaves the company. But it could flag unauthorized tweaks if you're watching closely. I always check the XML view in Event Viewer for extra bits. Like the full command parameters used. It logs the success or any hiccups right away. You filter for this ID to spot patterns over time. Hmmm, if multiple hits from one account, that might raise eyebrows.

Now, to monitor this with an email alert, you hop into Event Viewer. Right-click the custom views section. Create a new one based on that specific event ID, 25601. Set the filter to the right log, like the auditing one for Exchange. Save it so it watches only for Remove-UserPhoto actions. Then, you set up a scheduled task tied to this view. Go to Task Scheduler from the tools menu in Event Viewer. Pick create task on event. Link it to your custom view. Choose to run a program when the event triggers. For the alert, point it to a simple batch file that sends email via your server's mail setup. Or use the built-in sendmail option if available. Test it by simulating the event if you can. I tweak the frequency to avoid spam. You get notified quick whenever that cmdlet runs. Keeps things tight without constant checking.

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Note, the PowerShell email alert code was moved to this post.