ETL File Extension

What is ETL file?

ETL file format is used for storing event logs created by Windows system. It stores data in binary format. System logs are generated by Microsoft Tracelog application that logs kernel events. It logs such events as:

• Disk access,
• Paging errors,
• Memory stack operations,
• Application events.

Trace session can also include system startup and shutdown events. ETL file stores data in binary format and to read it a dedicated diagnostics and reporting tools. ETL files should not be edited manually.

ETL files store logs of high-frequency events and its descriptions. Such files can be helpful during system troubleshooting. Before the system evernts are written to ETL file, they are buffered and then saved to log and compressed in binary format to save space. Report files can take a large amount of space, so it is adviced to track the amount of available space on disk to where they are written. Tracerpt command can be used to parse event trace logs to search for relevant information using various filters.

Programs which support ETL file extension

The following listing features ETL-compatible programs. Files with ETL extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 11/12/2023

How to open file with ETL extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening ETL files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Microsoft Event Trace Log Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ETL files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Event Viewer software

Problems with opening and working with ETL files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ETL files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Event Viewer or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Tracelog, Microsoft Tracerpt, Microsoft Tracedmp) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ETL files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Event Viewer installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Event Viewer

If the problems with opening ETL files still occur even after installing Microsoft Event Viewer, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Event Viewer is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Microsoft Event Viewer cannot handle files with ETL may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Microsoft Event Viewer should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ETL files to Microsoft Event Viewer

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ETL files with latest version of Microsoft Event Viewer you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the ETL file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Event Viewer is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ETL files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ETL file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Microsoft Event Viewer and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ETL extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the ETL for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the ETL file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The ETL may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the ETL is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the ETL file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with ETL extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the ETL file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the ETL file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Event Viewer

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support ETL files. Close all running programs and try opening the ETL file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Microsoft Event Trace Log Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with ETL files affecting older versions of given software.

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