EVTX File Extension

What is EVTX file?

EVTX is a system file that contains information exported from Windows Event Viewer application (sometimes referred to simply as event log). EVXT files can only be created by Event Viewer program. EVTX format was introduced in Windows 7 as a replacement for EVT files. Both file types are supported on modern Windows systems. EVTX files store only the informations that user selected for exporting. Imported EVXT log files can then be viewed using dedicated tools.

Windows system logs

Windows logs all events pertaining to given machines and applications that run on it. Events are further divided into 4 groups, each having a dedicated journal file:

• Application journal – logs information related to running applications,
• Security journal – logs all events related to system security (for instance user login attempts),
• Settings journal – logs all events related to performed system installations, such as system updates,
• System journal – contains various information about Windows system.

All journal except for security journal further group entries into 3 types:

• Information
• Warning
• Error

Each entry is given an unique ID, a time stamp, information about the source of the event, time of occurrence, and a short description. The description may not display properly if the source application is not installed on the machine were logs are being read. System administrators rarely required users to send the EVTX or EVT files for troubleshooting, as they have direct access to the registry of user’s machine.

Programs which support EVTX file extension

Programs that can handle EVTX files are as follows. Files with EVTX 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: 12/07/2022

How to open file with EVTX extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening EVTX files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Windows 7 Event Log Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Event Viewer

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports EVTX files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Event Viewer or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Windows 8, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows 7) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. 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. Check the version of Microsoft Event Viewer and update if needed

You still cannot access EVTX files although Microsoft Event Viewer is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Event Viewer installed, it may not support EVTX format. The most recent version of Microsoft Event Viewer is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

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

After installing Microsoft Event Viewer (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open EVTX files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the EVTX with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Event Viewer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open EVTX files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with EVTX extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with EVTX extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the EVTX file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the EVTX file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the EVTX file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the EVTX is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. EVTX file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic EVTX file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with EVTX extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Windows 7 Event Log Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Event Viewer

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

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Windows 7 Event Log Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with EVTX files affecting older versions of given software.

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