Event Viewer - The Event log file is corrupt

lmg · 09-01-2009

We are currently running Windows Server 2003 R2 Service Pack 2. It appears
that following a power cut, we are unable to view the Application event log.
When clicking the log to view the contents, we receive the following error:

'Event Viewer - The Event log file is corrupt'

The application log now displays a red circle with a white 'X' next to it.

Please could you provide guidance on how to correct this problem.

Regards

Pegasus \(MVP\) · 09-01-2009

Click Action/Clear all events.

I'd like to check how things are going. Did you have the chance to try the
troubleshooting steps? If you have any other questions, please do not
hesitate to let me know. I look forward to your further updates.

David Shen [MSFT] · 12-01-2009

Thanks for posting here in the newsgroup.

According to the description, it seems that you encountered the error
message 'Event Viewer - The Event log file is corrupt' when you try to
view the Application event in the Event Viewer.

Based on the research, you may try to resolve the issue with the following
steps:

Step 1: Disable the Event Log Service

a. Right-Click My Computer and chose Manage
b. Expand and locate 'Services and Applications'
c. On the right hand side Double-Click on the 'Event Log'
d. Change the 'Startup Type' to Disabled
e. Reboot computer

Step 2: Rename AppEvent.evt

This file is located in %systemroot%\system32\config

Right-click and rename file to AppEvent.old

Step 3: Re-enable the Event Log Service

a. Right-Click My Computer and chose Manage
b. Expand and locate 'Services and Applications'
c. On the right hand side Double-Click on the 'Event Log'
d. Change the 'Startup Type' to Automatic
e. Reboot computer

**dim** · 25-01-2010

Hi, David!
I did as you described. system.evt create a new file, but after some time he was again with the error "event file log is corrupt". Please, suggest what else can you do?
Thank's