Introduction
Have you ever tried opening an important document or Excel file but couldn’t access it because of an error message? It can be frustrating and stressful, especially if the file has critical information that you need immediately. However, there’s no need to panic as there are several ways to fix corrupt Excel and Word files. In this article, we will explore the different solutions to this problem, including step-by-step guides on how to repair Excel and Word files that cannot be opened.
Firstly, let’s understand the reasons why Excel and Word files become corrupt and cannot be opened.
Why Do Excel and Word Files Become Corrupt?
Excel and Word files can become corrupt due to several reasons, including:
1. Virus/Malware attacks: Malware and viruses can damage the file and make it inaccessible.
2. Power failure or system crashes: Sudden power outages or unexpected system crashes can cause damage to the file structure and lead to file corruption.
3. Unsupported or outdated software: Using unsupported or outdated software to open or edit an Excel or Word file can corrupt and damage the file.
4. Large File Size: Large-sized files take more time to process and have a higher chance of becoming corrupt.
5. File System Errors: The hard drive where the file is residing may have file system errors that can lead to file corruptions.
Now that we know the reasons, let’s explore the solutions to the problem.
How to Repair Excel Files That Cannot Be Opened
1. Open in Safe Mode
If Excel doesn’t open the file, try opening it in safe mode. Safe mode disables all add-ins, and this might resolve the issue. Here are the steps you need to follow:
– Press the ‘Windows’ key and ‘R’ simultaneously on the keyboard.
– Type “Excel.exe/safe” in the Run dialogue box and click OK.
– In the Excel Safe mode, click on File and select Open.
– Browse the location of the corrupted file and select it.
– Click Open.
2. Repair The File
You can try repairing the corrupted file using the in-built repair tool in Excel. Here are the steps for using the repair tool:
– Open Excel and click on File and then select Open.
– Browse the location of the corrupted file and select it.
– Click on the arrow next to Open and select Open and Repair.
– Choose the suitable repair option as per your needs.
– Click Repair.
3. Changing The File Extension of The Corrupt Excel File
Excel files have a .xls or .xlsx file extension. Corrupted files might have extension like .xlsb, .xlw, etc. You can change the file extension to .xls or .xlsx to repair the corrupted file. Here are the steps:
– Head to the folder with the corrupted Excel file.
– Right-click on the file name and click on Rename.
– Change the file extension to .xls or .xlsx
– Press the enter key and check if the file opens.
If the above methods don’t work, then you can try using third-party applications to recover corrupted Excel files.
How to Repair Word Files That Cannot Be Opened
1. Open in Safe Mode
Similar to Excel, you can try opening the corrupted Word file in Safe mode. Here are the steps:
– Press the ‘Windows’ key and ‘R’ simultaneously on the keyboard.
– Type “Winword.exe/safe” in the Run dialogue box and click OK.
– In the Word Safe mode, click on File, and select Open.
– Browse the location of the corrupted file and select it.
– Click Open.
2. Changing the File Extension of The Corrupt Word File
Word files have a .doc or a .docx file extension. Corrupted files may have extension like .tmp, .wbk, etc. You can change the file extension to .doc or .docx format to repair the corrupted file. Here are the steps:
– Head to the folder with the corrupted Word file.
– Right-click on the file name and click on Rename.
– Change the file extension to .doc or .docx
– Press the enter key and check if the file opens.
3. Recovery Tool
You can use the in-built recovery tool in Word to recover the damaged or corrupted file. Here are the steps:
– Open Word and click on the File menu.
– Click on Open and then browse the location of the corrupted file.
– Click on the arrow next to the Open button and select Open and Repair.
– Choose the suitable repair option as per your needs.
– Click Repair.
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using third-party data recovery applications to recover corrupted word files.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What if the corrupted file can’t be repaired using in-built repair tools?
A. If the in-built repair tools fail to recover the corrupted Excel or Word file, you can try using third-party data recovery applications.
Q. Can I recover the previous version of my Excel or Word file?
A. Yes, you can recover an earlier version of your Excel or Word file using the ‘Previous Version’ or ‘Restore’ feature of Windows Backup.
Conclusion
Corrupted Excel and Word files can be a nightmare, especially when you need them urgently. However, several solutions can be implemented to overcome this problem. In-built tools, such as safe mode, repair tools, and recovery options, can fix most file corruption issues. Changing the file extension is also a workaround for some corruption issues. However, if the problem persists, you can try third-party applications for data recovery.
It is essential to prevent future corruption problems by maintaining a backup of your crucial files, using reliable storage devices, updating your software regularly, and ensuring your system doesn’t suffer unexpected power outages or crashes. With proper precautionary measures, you can avoid the frustration and stress of dealing with a corrupt file that cannot be opened.
Video Tutorial:
We also found a helpful tutorial video that explains how to recover corrupt Excel files in a step-by-step guide. The video explains the different methods discussed in this article. Check it out below:
[Insert Youtube video here]Thank you for reading, and we hope this article was informative and helpful.
