when I start the log utility (awusblog.exe), the awusb00001.log file is created but nothing gets logged in the file, even if I have checked all options in the preferences tab for the log files.
I am using the last version of the drivers and utility
(40002670_A.exe) on windows xp sp2 image
Are you having any sort of “real issue” that’s prompting you to look in the log file?
yes, indeed. I typically do not care much for logs unless I have issues 
my observations are related to
http://www.digi.com/support/forum/viewthread_thread,5023#16105
If you haven’t already, update to the newer v2.51 AnywhereUSB driver then let me know if that corrects this issue or not.