diff --git a/ethend.bat b/ethend.bat
index 0f1835a..81b66e7 100644
--- a/ethend.bat
+++ b/ethend.bat
@@ -83,10 +83,14 @@ exit /b 1
 
 :: ==========================================
 :start
+:: Ensure log directory
+if not exist "%LOG_DIR%" mkdir "%LOG_DIR%"
+
 echo.
 echo ==========================================
 echo   Cyrene ethend
 echo ==========================================
+echo %date% %time% ethend.bat started >> "%LOG_FILE%"
 call :check_node
 for /f "tokens=*" %%i in ('!NODE_CMD! --version') do echo Node.js: %%i
 echo Port: %ETHEND_PORT%
@@ -144,9 +148,6 @@ if not exist "node_modules\" (
     call npm install --silent
 )
 
-:: Ensure log directory
-if not exist "%LOG_DIR%" mkdir "%LOG_DIR%"
-
 echo.
 echo [INFO] Starting ethend on port %ETHEND_PORT%
 echo   Web UI:  http://localhost:%ETHEND_PORT%