Open XEL File
The XEL file extension is a data file format used by various applications for different purposes. One prevalent use of XEL files is in Microsoft SQL Server Extended Events (XEvent) system health monitoring and logging service. The other dominant usage is by the XMLmind XML Editor as a persistent and editable word processor format. It's important to mention that the treatment of these files will depend on their origin, and it's crucial to know which program created them to use them properly.
Opening and Using XEL Files in Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server utilizes XEL files for its Extended Event sessions, which provide monitoring and logging services for databases. XEL files contain diagnostic data and store the logs of SQL server performance, and they are typically associated with the ".xel" extension. You can open and use these files in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). After launching SSMS, navigate to the 'Management' folder, then 'Extended Events', and finally 'Sessions' to access the XEL files. You can then watch live data, or you can view the history by opening the XEL files (more details here).
Working with XEL Files in XMLmind XML Editor
The other use of the XEL file extension is by XMLmind XML Editor. Here, XEL files are documents saved in a format that is both persistent and editable, providing similar use as a word processor file. To open and work with these files, you would need XMLmind XML Editor (www.xmlmind.com/xmleditor). Once the software is installed and launched, you can proceed to open the XEL file through the 'File' > 'Open' function in the application. Working with these files then becomes straightforward, as the XMLmind XML Editor provides a comprehensive, intuitive editor geared toward document-style XML schemas.
XEL File Important Information
When dealing with XEL files, it is always essential to remember that the appropriate software to open and use them depends on how the file was initially created. If it's a log file from SQL Server, SQL Server Management Studio should handle the file. If it's an XMLmind XML Editor document, you would need the XMLmind XML Editor. Always ensure to have the right software for the right XEL file type. Lastly, as with any file on your system, always be cautious about opening XEL files that you aren’t familiar with – they could carry potential security risks if sourced from untrustworthy locations or sent by unknown sources.