Export XML File Empty

It seems when I use the exporting feature from the WP dashboard I get blank file with nothing in it. It is zero bytes, etc. I read on another post that perhaps having too much comment spam could cause this so I fixed that issue but still coming up empty. What could cause this?

Also, if i ever do fix this issue, how can I transfer the data (posts, comments, etc.) to a document form for easy reading.

Thanks…