Are you having trouble opening your Excel files? Whether you’ve forgotten your password, accidentally closed the file, or encounter an issue with a temporary file, there are solutions available. In this article, we’ll provide you with helpful tips and tricks for opening Excel files that are protected, not saved, or unexpectedly closed.
Opening Password-Protected Excel File:
If you can’t remember your password to open an Excel file, don’t panic. There are several methods you can try to unlock the file and regain access to your data.
Method 1: Guess your Password
Before you try any other methods, try to guess your password. It can be common words, names, or numbers that are significant to you. If you’re still not having any luck, move on to step 2.
Method 2: Excel Password Recovery Tool
If guessing your password isn’t an option, you can use a password recovery tool to help you unlock your Excel file. There are various software available on the market that can help you recover the password of your Excel file, such as Passper for Excel, Microsoft Excel Password Remover, and many others. Check out the review of the password recovery tool to see which one suit your need.
Method 3: Online Excel Password Recovery
If you’re not interested in purchasing a software solution, an online Excel password recovery service might be a better option. Websites like Password-Find.com, Free Password Recovery Online, and Lostmypass.com can help recover Excel passwords online. Just upload your file to their website, and they’ll provide you with an unlocked copy of your spreadsheet.
Opening Excel File that is Not Saved or Unsaved:
If you have closed your Excel file without saving it or haven’t saved it yet, you don’t need to worry. Excel provides an auto-save feature that can help you recover unsaved data.
Method 1: Recover Unsaved Changes in Excel
To recover unsaved changes in Excel, follow these simple steps:
- Open Excel and click on “File” in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select “Open,” and you’ll see a list of previously worked on documents. At the bottom of this list, you’ll find an option that says “Recover Unsaved Workbooks.” Click on this option.
- Select the unsaved workbook you want to recover and click “Open.”
- You’ll now see a recovered version of your unsaved workbook. Click “Save As” to save the document to a new location on your computer.
Method 2: Recover an Overwritten Excel File
Accidentally overwriting a saved Excel file can be frustrating, but don’t give up hope. There are still things you can try to recover your data.
- Click “Start” and type “.asd” in the search bar. Press Enter.
- Look for a file with a name similar to the file you are trying to recover. The file name should be a combination of letters and numbers with an “.asd” extension.
- Open the file in Excel. The program will automatically load the autorecovery version, which should be the last saved version of your file.
- Save your recovered document by clicking on “File” and then “Save As.”
Opening Excel File that Unexpectedly Closed:
Have you recently experienced an issue where Excel unexpectedly closed while you were working on a file? Don’t panic, as Excel has some built-in tools that can help recover your work.
Method 1: Recover Excel Document Using Excel AutoRecover
Excel’s AutoRecover feature is designed to help users recover files that have been closed unexpectedly. Follow these steps to recover your work:
- Open Excel and select “File” in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select “Info” and then “Manage Workbook.”
- Click “Recover Unsaved Workbooks.”
- You’ll be directed to a folder containing unsaved files. Select the file you want to recover and click on “Open.”
- Excel will now recover the unsaved document and open it in a new window. Save the file to avoid losing any data.
Method 2: Check for Temporary Excel Files
When Excel unexpectedly closes, it creates temporary files that can help you recover your work. Follow these steps to locate and recover your temporary file:
- Open Excel and click on “File” in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select “Options,” and then “Save.”
- Look for “AutoRecover Files Location” and go to the folder specified.
- You’ll find temporary files that can be recovered. Select the file you want to recover, copy it, and then paste it in a separate folder.
- Rename the temporary file with the “.xls” extension and then double-click the file to open it in Excel.
FAQ:
Q: Can I open password-protected Excel files on my mobile phone?
A: Yes, you can use a mobile app like Microsoft Excel for iOS or Android to open password-protected Excel files.
Q: Can I open an Excel file on a computer that does not have Excel installed?
A: Yes, you can use a free online tool like Excel Online to open, edit, and save an Excel file. All you need is a web browser and an internet connection.
Conclusion
Excel is a powerful tool for storing and analyzing data, but it can be frustrating when you encounter issues trying to open a file. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can recover password-protected, not saved, or unexpectedly closed Excel files. Remember to save your work frequently and backup important files regularly.
