Quick reference to log file formats
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
Quick reference to log file formats
The following table provides a description of each log file format. For step-by-step guidance on selecting a format, see Set parameters for a log.
| Log file format | Description | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
Text File (Comma delimited) |
This option defines a comma-delimited log file (with a .csv extension). Use this format, for example, to export the log data into a spreadsheet program. |
Counter logs |
Text File (Tab delimited) |
This option defines a tab-delimited log file (with a .tsv extension). Use this format, for example, to export the log data into a spreadsheet program. |
Counter logs |
Binary File |
This option defines a sequential, binary-format log file (with a .blg extension). Use this file format if you want to be able to record data instances that are intermittent--that is, stopping and resuming after the log has begun running. Only binary file formats can accommodate instances that are not persistent throughout the duration of the log. |
Counter logs |
Binary Circular File |
This option defines a circular, binary-format log file (with a .blg extension). Use this file format to record data continuously to the same log file, overwriting previous records with new data when the file reaches its maximum size. |
Counter logs |
Circular Trace File |
This option defines a circular trace log file (with an .etl extension). Use this file format to record data continuously to the same log file, overwriting previous records with new data when the file reaches its maximum size. |
Trace logs |
Sequential Trace File |
This option defines a sequential trace log file (with an .etl extension) that collects data until it reaches a user-defined limit and then closes and starts a new file. |
Trace logs |
SQL Database |
This option defines the name of an existing SQL database and log set within the database where the performance data will be read or written. Use this file format to collect performance data at an enterprise level rather than a per computer basis. |
Counter logs |