In this article, we will discuss how to repair corrupt Excel files and how to recover data from them. A corrupt Excel file can be very frustrating, especially if it contains important data that cannot be replaced. However, with a few simple steps, you can fix the corruption and recover your data.
First, let’s discuss the causes of Excel file corruption. There are several reasons why an Excel file can become corrupt, such as power failures, system crashes, virus or malware attack, hard drive failure, software conflicts, and human error. When an Excel file becomes corrupt, you may encounter various error messages, such as “Excel cannot open the file,” “Excel cannot complete this task,” or “The file is corrupt and cannot be opened.”
Now, let’s move on to the steps to repair corrupt Excel files.
Step 1: Open Excel in Safe Mode
The first thing you should try is to open Excel in Safe Mode. This will disable any add-ins or extensions that may be causing the file to become corrupt. To open Excel in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
2. Double-click on the Excel shortcut icon to open it.
3. Keep holding the Ctrl key until you are prompted to open Excel in Safe Mode.
4. Click Yes to open Excel in Safe Mode.
If Excel opens in Safe Mode, try opening the corrupt file again. If it opens without any issues, you can assume that an add-in or extension was causing the corruption. You can then disable the add-in or extension to prevent further corruption.
Step 2: Use Excel’s Built-in Repair Tool
If opening Excel in Safe Mode did not solve the issue, you can try using Excel’s built-in repair tool. To use this tool, follow these steps:
1. Open Excel and click on the File tab.
2. Click on Open, and then select the corrupt file.
3. Click on the arrow next to the Open button, and then click on Open and Repair.
4. Choose Repair if you want Excel to attempt to repair the file, or choose Extract Data if you want Excel to only recover the data from the file.
Excel will attempt to repair the file. If it is successful, you should be able to open the file without any issues. If it is not successful, you can try using a third-party tool to repair the file, or move on to the next step.
Step 3: Use a Third-Party Tool to Repair the File
There are several third-party tools available that can repair corrupt Excel files. These tools can be downloaded and installed on your computer, and will attempt to repair the file for you. Some popular tools include:
– Stellar Repair for Excel
– Kernel for Excel Repair
– Remo Repair Excel
You can also search online for other tools that may be available. Before using any third-party tool, be sure to research it thoroughly and read reviews from other users. Also, be aware that some tools may require payment, while others may offer a free trial.
Step 4: Recover Data from a Corrupt Excel File
If you are unable to repair the corrupt Excel file, you can still recover data from it. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open Excel and click on the File tab.
2. Click on Open, and then select the corrupt file.
3. Click on the arrow next to the Open button, and then click on Open and Repair.
4. Choose Extract Data.
Excel will extract any data that it can from the file and place it into a new workbook. You can then save the new workbook and use the recovered data.
FAQ:
1. Can I recover data from a corrupt Excel file?
Yes, you can recover data from a corrupt Excel file using Excel’s built-in repair tool or a third-party tool. If these methods do not work, you can still extract data from the file.
2. How can I prevent Excel file corruption?
To prevent Excel file corruption, you should regularly save your files, avoid force-closing programs, use reliable antivirus software, and update your operating system and applications to the latest version.
