Getting Data In

How to pull out a header before indexing?

Bliide
Path Finder

I am attempting to index some SSRS logs. Each log file has a header at the beginning of the file. I would like to pull out the header before indexing. I attempted to use PREAMBLE_REGEX but I can not get it to work. The header always has the following format:

A LOT of text

I know there has to be a way to pull it out but either I am going down the wrong track with PREAMBLE_REGEX or I have a flaw in my code. Any advice is welcome.

Tags (3)
0 Karma
1 Solution

jayannah
Builder

Try this

[<< sourcetype >>]
TRANSFORMS-skiphdr= skip_header_logfile

[skip_header_logfile]
REGEX = << 20-30 characters of your header line >>
DEST_KEY = queue
FORMAT = nullQueue

View solution in original post

jayannah
Builder

Try this

[<< sourcetype >>]
TRANSFORMS-skiphdr= skip_header_logfile

[skip_header_logfile]
REGEX = << 20-30 characters of your header line >>
DEST_KEY = queue
FORMAT = nullQueue

mcronkrite
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

On your forwarder where you are getting this data update your props.conf with this line from @jayannah

[<< sourcetype >>]
TRANSFORMS-skiphdr= skip_header_logfile

Then create a transforms.conf in the same location and add these lines by @jayannah

[skip_header_logfile]
REGEX = << 20-30 characters of your header line >>
DEST_KEY = queue
FORMAT = nullQueue

Got questions? Get answers!

Join the Splunk Community Slack to learn, troubleshoot, and make connections with fellow Splunk practitioners in real time!

Meet up IRL or virtually!

Join Splunk User Groups to connect and learn in-person by region or remotely by topic or industry.

Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

Design, Compete, Win: Submit Your Best Splunk Dashboards for a .conf26 Pass

Hello Splunkers,  We’re excited to kick off a Splunk Dashboard contest! We know that dashboards are a primary ...

May 2026 Splunk Expert Sessions: Security & Observability

Level Up Your Operations: May 2026 Splunk Expert Sessions Whether you are refining your security posture or ...

Network to App: Observability Unlocked [May & June Series]

In today’s digital landscape, your environment is no longer confined to the data center. It spans complex ...