Corrupted Excel files can be a pain, especially when the contents of the file are crucial to your work. However, fret not as there are ways to fix corrupt Excel files. In this article, we will explore the different ways to fix corrupt Excel files and bring your work back from the brink of disaster.
Method 1: Open and Repair
The easiest and quickest solution to fix a corrupt Excel file is by using the inbuilt Open and Repair tool.
- Step 1: Open Excel and click on File.
- Step 2: Click on Open and browse for the corrupt Excel file.
- Step 3: Click on the arrow next to the Open button and click on Open and Repair.
- Step 4: Select either Repair or Extract Data in the Open and Repair window and click on OK.
- Step 5: Wait for the process to finish and check if your file is repaired.
If the Open and Repair tool fails to fix the corrupt Excel file, don’t worry, there are other methods to try.
Method 2: Change File Extension
This method involves changing the file extension of the corrupt Excel file.
- Step 1: Right-click on the corrupt Excel file and click on Rename.
- Step 2: Change the file extension from .xlsx to .zip
- Step 3: Right-click on the file and select Extract All.
- Step 4: Open the extracted folder and find the folder named xl.
- Step 5: Delete the file named xl/workbook.xml.
- Step 6: Rename the file named xl/_rels/workbook.xml.rels to xl/_rels/workbook.xml.rels.old.
- Step 7: Rename the extracted folder to a .xlsx file extension.
If this method doesn’t work, try method 3.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Software
If the above two methods fail to fix the corrupt Excel file, then you can use third-party software to recover your lost data.
Stellar Repair for Excel is an excellent software for recovering data from corrupt Excel files. The software has an intuitive user interface, making it easy to use even for first-time users. Here are the steps to use Stellar Repair for Excel:
- Step 1: Download and install Stellar Repair for Excel on your computer.
- Step 2: Launch Stellar Repair for Excel and click on Select File to browse for the corrupt Excel file.
- Step 3: After selecting the file, click on the Scan button to scan the file for errors.
- Step 4: After the scan is complete, you will see a preview of the Excel file on the screen. If the preview is satisfactory, click on the Save button to save the file.
Stellar Repair for Excel is a paid software, but it comes with a free demo version that allows you to preview the file before purchasing the software.
With these three methods, you should be able to fix most corrupt Excel files and recover your work. However, if your Excel file is severely damaged, then recovery may not be possible. In such cases, it’s best to keep a backup of your Excel files to avoid data loss.
FAQ
1. Can a corrupt Excel file be fixed?
Yes, a corrupt Excel file can be fixed using the inbuilt Open and Repair tool in Excel, changing the file extension, or using third-party software like Stellar Repair for Excel.
2. How do I prevent Excel files from becoming corrupted?
To prevent Excel files from becoming corrupted, you can do the following:
- Save your Excel files regularly.
- Save your Excel files in different locations to avoid data loss.
- Use antivirus software to protect your computer from viruses and malware.
- Update your Excel software regularly to fix any bugs or issues.
