Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely-used software programs for data management and analysis. Unfortunately, sometimes Excel files can become corrupted or unable to open. In this article, we will explore some common reasons why Excel files may become corrupted and provide solutions for how to fix them.
Reasons Why Excel Files Become Corrupted
There are several reasons why Excel files can become corrupted. Some of the most common include:
1. Virus or Malware Attacks
One of the main reasons why Excel files may become corrupted is due to virus or malware attacks. Malicious software can infect your Excel document and cause it to malfunction. When your Excel file is infected with a virus or other types of malware, it may generate error messages, program crashes, or not open at all.
To avoid this situation, you should always keep your computer’s antivirus software and operating system up-to-date. Additionally, be cautious when opening email attachments, downloading files, or visiting unfamiliar websites. These steps can prevent viruses and malware from corrupting your Excel files.
2. File Size Limitations
Another common reason why Excel files can become corrupted is due to file size limitations. When you try to save too much data in a single Excel file, it can become unstable and difficult to open. Additionally, large files take a longer time to load and are more prone to crashing or freezing.
To avoid this issue, consider splitting your Excel data into multiple files or using a different software program to manage large datasets. You can also try compressing your Excel file or deleting unnecessary data to reduce its overall size.
How to Fix Corrupted Excel Files
1. Use the Built-In Excel Repair Tool
If your Excel file becomes corrupted, you can try using Excel’s built-in repair tool to fix it. To do this, open Excel and select “File” > “Open” > “Browse”. Choose the corrupted file you want to repair and select “Open”. If Excel detects any problems, it will prompt you to start the repair process.
If the built-in repair tool is unable to fix your Excel file, you can try using a third-party Excel recovery tool. There are many options available online, such as Stellar Repair for Excel and SysTools Excel Recovery. These tools often have more advanced features and can recover data from severely corrupted or damaged Excel files.
2. Restore an Earlier Version of Your Excel File
If your Excel file becomes corrupted due to user error (e.g. accidental deletion or overwriting), you may be able to restore an earlier version of the file. Windows has a built-in feature called “File History” that automatically creates backups of your files.
To restore an earlier version of your Excel file, open the file’s location in File Explorer. Right-click on the file and select “Properties”. Choose the “Previous Versions” tab and select the version of the file you want to restore. Click “Restore” to recover the file.
FAQs
1. Can I recover data from a corrupted Excel file?
Yes, you can recover data from a corrupted Excel file. There are several tools available that can help you recover and repair your Excel data. Additionally, you may be able to restore an earlier version of the file if you have enabled the Windows “File History” feature.
2. How can I avoid Excel file corruption?
To avoid Excel file corruption, you should always keep your computer’s antivirus software and operating system up-to-date. Use caution when opening email attachments or downloading files from unfamiliar websites. Additionally, consider splitting your Excel data into multiple files or using a different software program to manage large datasets.
Here is a video tutorial on how to recover a corrupted Excel file:
