Is your Excel file gone corrupt? Don’t worry, we have got you covered! In this article, we will guide you through the process of repairing a corrupt Excel file. But before that, let’s understand what causes a file to go corrupt.
Why Do Excel Files Get Corrupted?
Excel files can get corrupted due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Power outage or system crash while the file is being saved
- Virus or malware attack
- System hardware failure
- Software bugs
When an Excel file gets corrupted, you may experience the following symptoms:
- The file does not open or opens with errors
- The file content is unreadable or scrambled
- The file crashes or freezes while in use
- The file takes a long time to open or close
How to Repair a Corrupt Excel File?
If your Excel file has gone corrupt, don’t panic. There are several ways to repair it. Here are some methods that you can try:
Method 1: Open the File in Safe Mode
If the Excel file is not opening or is giving you errors, you can try opening it in safe mode. Safe mode disables all add-ons and extensions, which may be causing the issue. To open Excel in safe mode, follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type “excel.exe /safe” (without quotes) and press Enter
- Open the corrupt Excel file from the File menu
- If the file opens without errors, save it immediately under a different name to prevent overwriting the original file.
Method 2: Repair the Corrupt File with Excel’s In-built Repair Tool
If opening the file in safe mode does not work, you can try using Excel’s in-built repair tool. Here’s how:
- Open Excel and go to File > Open
- Click on Browse and locate the corrupt Excel file
- Select the file and click on the drop-down arrow next to the Open button
- Select Open and Repair from the list
- Excel will now attempt to repair and open the file
- If the file opens without errors, save it immediately under a different name to prevent overwriting the original file.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool
If the above methods do not work, you can try using a third-party recovery tool. These tools are designed specifically to recover corrupt Excel files. Here are some popular recovery tools:
- Stellar Repair for Excel
- DataNumen Excel Repair
- Kernel for Excel Repair
Note that third-party recovery tools may not be free and may have limitations. Make sure to research the tool and read reviews before using it.
FAQs
Q1. Can I Prevent Excel Files from Getting Corrupted?
Yes, you can take several precautions to prevent Excel files from getting corrupted, such as:
- Saving your file regularly
- Making a backup of your file
- Keeping your system and software updated
- Scanning your system for viruses and malware regularly
Q2. What Should I Do if I Cannot Recover My Corrupt Excel File?
If you cannot recover your corrupt Excel file using the above methods, you may have to recreate the file from scratch. But before doing that, make sure to check if you have a backup of the file.
Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on repairing a corrupt Excel file, watch this video:
Conclusion
Repairing a corrupt Excel file may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and methods, it can be done easily. Make sure to save your file regularly and take precautions to prevent it from getting corrupted in the first place.
