Do you ever accidentally delete or lose an important Excel document? It can be frustrating and stressful when you have to start all over. Luckily, there are ways to recover your lost data. In this article, we will give you step by step guidance on how to recover lost Excel files and revert merged cells in Excel.
How to recover a deleted or unsaved Excel File?
If you have accidentally deleted or lost an Excel file, don’t panic. There are several methods available to recover an Excel file. Here are three different ways to restore an Excel file:
Method 1: Recover from the Recycle Bin/Trash
If you have deleted an Excel file, you can quickly restore it from the Recycle Bin (on Windows) or the Trash (on Mac). Here’s how:
- Open the Recycle Bin (on Windows) or the Trash (on Mac).
- Look for the Excel file you want to recover.
- Right-click on the file and select ‘Restore’ (on Windows) or drag the file to your desktop (on Mac).
- Open the file to ensure it has been successfully recovered.
If the file is not in the Recycle Bin or Trash, try the next method.
Method 2: Recover from the AutoSave feature in Excel
If you have a computer that runs Windows, the AutoSave feature in Excel 2010 and later versions can help you recover unsaved Excel files.
- Open a blank Excel document.
- Select the File tab on the top left corner of the screen.
- Select ‘Info’ from the drop-down menu.
- Select ‘Manage Workbook’ and click ‘Recover Unsaved Workbooks.’
- Find the Excel file you want to recover and click ‘Open.’
- Save the file to prevent losing it again.
If you still can’t find your Excel file, try using a file recovery software like Recuva to recover your lost files.
Method 3: Recover from a backup
If you have a backup of your Excel files, consider restoring the lost file from there. You can use different cloud storage options like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud to backup your Excel files.
We always recommend backing up your Excel files routinely to prevent losing data in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
How to revert merged cells in Excel?
Merging cells in Excel is a helpful feature when you want to format data in a more presentable way, but it can be challenging to work on merged cells. If you want to revert merged cells back to their individual cells, here are the steps to follow:
- Select the merged cell you want to revert.
- Right-click on the selected cell and choose ‘Format Cells.’
- The Format Cells dialog box will appear, and you should select the Alignment tab from it.
- Uncheck the ‘Merge Cells’ checkbox under the ‘Merge cells’ subheading.
- Click on ‘OK.’
- The merged cell will be separated into individual cells.
Alternatively, you can use the ‘Merge and Center’ button to undo merging a cell. Simply select the merged cell you want to undo, and then from the ‘Merge and Center’ button dropdown menu, select ‘Unmerge Cells.’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What causes Excel files to get lost?
A1: Several factors can cause Excel files to get lost, such as accidental deletion, saving the file in an incorrect location, corrupted files, or a system crash. Backing up files regularly can help prevent data loss.
Q2: Can I recover an unsaved Excel file?
A2: Yes, you can recover unsaved Excel files by using the AutoSave feature in Excel. It automatically saves a copy of the file every few minutes. In case of losing an unsaved file, you can retrieve the file from the AutoSave feature.
Video Tutorial: How to Recover Lost Excel Files
For additional support, you can watch the Youtube video below for a step-by-step guide on how to recover lost Excel files.
Conclusion
Excel files can be essential to many individuals and businesses. Losing an Excel document can cause significant stress and work disruption. In this article, we have discussed ways to recover lost Excel files and revert merged cells in Excel. Remember to routinely back up your files to prevent data loss, and always consider using reliable file recovery software when in doubt.
