Do you find yourself struggling with corrupted Excel files on your Windows device? Or perhaps you have a password-protected Excel file and can’t seem to remember the password? Look no further than these expert tips on how to restore and access your Excel files with ease.
How to Restore Corrupted Excel Files on Windows
Corrupted Excel files can happen to anyone at any time, but luckily there are a few easy steps you can take to recover your lost data. Follow these steps:
- Open a new instance of Excel, then click on File > Open.
- Select the corrupted Excel file and click on the arrow next to “Open”.
- Select “Open and Repair” to begin the repair process.
- If the above method doesn’t work, try opening the file in Safe Mode. Go to Start > Run, type in “excel /safe”, and press Enter.
- Once the file opens, save it under a different name to avoid any further damage.
Voila! Your corrupted Excel file is restored. If you’re still having issues, you may want to seek professional help from an IT specialist.
How to Access Password-Protected Excel Files
It’s human to forget a password now and then, but that can be frustrating when you have important data in a password-protected Excel file. Before you start to panic, try these methods to unlock your file:
- If you’re dealing with an older version of Excel, try the “password.xls” method. Make a backup of your file, open it in Notepad, search for “password” until you find a line that resembles “DPB=…”, and replace the characters between the two asterisks with “*”. Save the file and reopen it in Excel. If it works, remove the password and reset it to something you won’t forget!
- If you have a newer version of Excel, use a password recovery tool like PassFab for Excel. This software uses advanced algorithms to recover your password and unlock the file. Simply download the software, follow the instructions, and voila!
FAQs
Q: Can I recover a file that has been permanently deleted from the recycle bin?
A: It may be possible to recover deleted files from your computer using third-party software like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. However, it’s important to note that these methods are not always 100% successful and could potentially damage your computer further. It’s always best to consult with a professional before attempting any data recovery methods.
Q: Why do Excel files become corrupted?
A: There are several reasons why an Excel file can become corrupted, including virus or malware attacks, power outages or computer crashes while the file is in use, and using outdated or unsupported versions of Excel. It’s important to regularly update your software and save important files frequently to avoid any data loss due to corruption.
Watch this Video for More Tips on Excel File Recovery
Don’t let lost or corrupted Excel files hold you back in your work. With these expert tips and tricks, you can restore and access your files with ease.
