Have you ever accidentally deleted important files or hidden columns in Excel and struggled to retrieve them? Well, fret not because we have got you covered. In this article, we will be sharing some effective ways to recover deleted files and unhide hidden columns in Excel. So, let’s dive in!
How to Recover Deleted Files in Excel?
Did you know that you can retrieve deleted files in Excel just like you do on your computer? Whether it’s a complex formula or extensive data, recovering deleted files in Excel is an easy task. Here are some ways to do it:
Use the Recycle Bin to Retrieve Deleted Files
Like most programs in your computer, Excel also uses the Recycle Bin to temporarily store deleted files. If you have deleted a file in Excel, chances are it’s present in the Recycle Bin. Here’s how to retrieve it:
- Open the Recycle Bin found on the desktop of your computer.
- Look for the deleted Excel file that you need to recover
- Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to recover it to its original location.
Voila! The deleted file will be restored to its original location, and you can access it like before.
Use File Recovery Software to Retrieve Deleted Files
If you have permanently deleted files in Excel, they cannot be found in the Recycle Bin. In such cases, you need to use file recovery software. There are several file recovery software in the market, both free and paid. One of the most popular ones is Recuva. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Recuva file recovery software on your computer.
- Open the program, select the location where the Excel file was located before it was deleted, and click on “Scan.”
- Once the scanning process is complete, look for the deleted Excel file and select it.
- Click on “Recover” to restore the deleted file to a new location on your computer.
And just like that, you have retrieved your deleted Excel file using file recovery software.
How to Unhide Hidden Columns in Excel?
Excel allows users to hide columns to display or focus on specific data. However, at times, you may accidentally hide a column and struggle to retrieve it. Here’s how to unhide hidden columns in Excel:
Use the “Unhide” Feature
Excel has an in-built “Unhide” feature that allows users to unhide hidden columns. Here’s how to use it:
- Select the columns surrounding the hidden column(s) in Excel.
- Right-click on the selected columns and choose “Unhide.”
This will unhide the hidden columns, and you can access them like before.
Use the “Go To” Feature
If you’re unsure which columns are hidden, you can use Excel’s “Go To” feature to locate hidden columns. Here’s how to use it:
- Select the entire worksheet in Excel by clicking on the upper left-hand corner of the worksheet (the cell where the row and column headings meet).
- Press “Ctrl + Shift + 9” to unhide the hidden rows or “Ctrl + Shift + 0” to unhide the hidden columns.
This will unhide all hidden rows or columns in the selected worksheet.
FAQs
1. Can I recover a permanently deleted Excel file?
Yes, you can recover a permanently deleted Excel file using file recovery software. However, it’s important to note that the recoverability of the file depends on several factors like the time since the file was deleted, the size of the file, and the amount of disk activity after deletion. It’s always advisable to recover the file as soon as possible.
2. Can I unhide multiple columns at once in Excel?
Yes, you can unhide multiple columns at once in Excel. Here’s how to do it:
- Select the columns surrounding the hidden column(s) in Excel.
- Right-click on the selected columns and choose “Unhide.”
This will unhide all hidden columns in the selected area.
Watch this video on Excel tips and tricks!
We hope this article has helped you recover your deleted Excel files and unhide hidden columns. If you have any other Excel-related questions or tips, feel free to share them with us in the comments section below!
