EVT File – What is .evt file and how to open it?
EVT File Extension
Windows Event Viewer Log File – file format by Microsoft
EVT is a log file format used by Windows Event Viewer. It stores system and application events, errors, and warnings. EVT files can be opened in Event Viewer and can be exported to various formats, including XML, CSV, and HTML.
What is a EVT File?
An EVT file is a Windows Event Viewer Log File created by the Windows Event Viewer application. It stores logs of events that occur on a Windows system, such as application errors, security warnings, and system events. EVT files are used by system administrators to troubleshoot issues and monitor the health of the system.
EVT File Format
EVT files are XML-based and contain a collection of event records. Each event record includes information about the event, such as the event ID, time stamp, source, message, and other details. EVT files can be parsed by third-party tools or analyzed using the Windows Event Viewer application. They are typically stored in the %SystemRoot%\System32\winevt\Logs folder on Windows systems.
Opening EVT Files with Built-in Viewer:
Windows Event Viewer is a utility that can be used to open and inspect EVT files. To access this utility, press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box. Then, type “eventvwr” and press Enter. In the left pane of the Event Viewer window, navigate to Windows Logs and select the desired log type. Right-click on the event you wish to inspect and select “Open.” This will open the event in a separate window, providing details such as the date, time, source, and description of the event.
Using Third-Party Tools:
Although Event Viewer is the most common way to open EVT files, other software programs can also be used for this purpose. One popular tool is Event Log Explorer, which allows users to open, filter, and search EVT files. Additionally, there are various open-source libraries available for parsing and processing EVT files, enabling developers to create custom tools or integrate EVT file handling into existing applications.
EVT File Format
EVT files are a structured logging format used by the Windows Event Viewer, a system tool for monitoring and troubleshooting system events. Created using XML, EVT files store a record of significant events that occur within the operating system and installed applications. Each event is categorized and includes details such as the event source, time and date of occurrence, user account associated with the event, and an event message and description.
Purpose and Use
EVT files play a crucial role in system administration and troubleshooting. They provide a comprehensive history of system activity, allowing administrators to track and identify unusual behaviors, errors, and security incidents. The structured nature of EVT files makes them easily searchable and filterable, enabling quick isolation of relevant events. Additionally, EVT files can be exported for offline analysis or shared with support teams for remote assistance. This versatility makes EVT files an essential tool for maintaining system uptime, detecting security breaches, and conducting forensic investigations.