Can a report with multiple queries be saved in XML. The "rules" seem to say it can't, an XML file is created as part of any report. I got confused about what this rule is saying.
It should be fine. If you haven't found it in Report Studio yet, there is a feature to allow you to copy the entire XML of a report out. It can be found in report studio under Tools > Copy Report to Clipboard.
I know for a fact that this copies the entire report, including all background queries, out in Cognos 8.3 & 8.4 (can't vouch for earlier versions).
To get it imported again just open a new Report Studio Instance and go to Tools > Open Report from Clipboard. Your report with all queries should be imported as-is and ready to go. ;)
The exact query definition is generated against the package selected in Report Studio. When testing the 'Generated SQL/MDX' you will notice that Cognos is generating the exact statement at runtime. (Which may take some time) If the EXACT definition was stored in the XML, then it would be produced instantly. The XML stores the query name , dataitems , local definitions etc..
thanks