How to export and view event logs in Windows
Introduction
For troubleshooting purposes, it may be necessary to export Windows Event Logs.
Solution
- Invoke Windows Event Viewer:
-
Windows 8/8.1/10, Windows Server 2012/2016/2019:
- press Win + R;
- in the Run window that opens, type eventvwr.msc and press Enter - Windows Vista/7/2008/2008R2: Hit Start and type in eventvwr.msc:
- Windows XP/2003/2000: Hit Start-Run and type in eventvwr.msc:
-
- Select the type of logs you need to export: usually, Application and System logs are required
Windows 7/8/8.1/2008/2008R2/2012/2012R2 and later
Windows XP
- Save the log:
- Windows 7/8/8.1, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008/2008R2/2012/2012R2 and later: Action -> Save All Events As...
- Windows XP/2000/2003: Action -> Save Log File As... (!) It is recommended to save the System and the Application event logs, and name them accordingly.
Windows 7/8/8.1/2008/2008R2/2012/2012R2
Windows XP
- Invoke Windows Event Viewer:
-
Windows 8/8.1/10, Windows Server 2012/2016/2019:
- press Win + R;
- in the Run window that opens, type eventvwr.msc and press Enter - Windows Vista/7/2008/2008R2: Hit Start and type in eventvwr.msc:
- Windows XP/2003/2000: Hit Start-Run and type in eventvwr.msc:
-
- Open the saved log file:
- Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 and later: Action -> Open Saved Log...
- Windows XP/2000/2003: Action -> Open Log File...
Windows 7/8/8.1/2008/2008R2/2012/2012R2
Windows XP
(!) If the log is inside a ZIP file, extract it first.
(!) For Windows XP, when opening a log, you have to select the log type, (Application, System, Security etc).
More information
See also AcronisInfo Utility.