I cannot open a LOG file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with LOG files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening LOG will be resolved!
LOG File Extension
- File type Log Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Text Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) LOG file?
The LOG file is a plain text file used for logging events in computer programs. It records information on the program's execution, and errors, warnings, and exceptions which may occur during the execution. The LOG file is used by developers to debug and troubleshoot their software. It often contains details such as user ID, date and time of the event, the program's method or function which is running, and the results of any operation performed.
The LOG file can also contain other details such as performance data, processes initiated by the system user or application, interaction between different services used by the program, and log messages. These messages can be generated by system components or applications, enabling effective tracking of what was done and how things evolved at different stages of computing.
How to open LOG file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with LOG extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports LOG files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open LOG files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support LOG files
Step 2. Verify whether LOG files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports LOG files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with LOG files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support LOG files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open LOG files with the selected program.
Changing LOG file association in registry
File association for LOG files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check LOG file for other errors
- LOG file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening LOG files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected LOG file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For LOG files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
