Recovering deleted or corrupted files can be a daunting task for many people. However, with some basic knowledge and tools, it can be a relatively easy process. In this article, we will discuss some methods for recovering deleted or corrupted Excel files, as well as provide some FAQs and a helpful video tutorial.
Method 1: Recovering Unsaved or Overwritten Excel Files
If you’ve accidentally closed an Excel file without saving it, or if the file was overwritten by another file, don’t panic. There are several ways to recover an unsaved or overwritten Excel file:
1. Use Excel’s Recover Unsaved Workbooks feature:
Excel has a built-in feature that can help you recover unsaved workbooks. Follow these steps:
- Open Excel and click “File” on the menu bar.
- Click “Info” and then click “Manage Workbook”.
- Select “Recover Unsaved Workbooks.”
- In the Open dialog box, select the file you want to recover and click “Open.”
- Save the file.
2. Look for the file in the Temp folder:
If the Recover Unsaved Workbooks feature doesn’t work, you can look for the file in the Temp folder. Follow these steps:
- Open the Temp folder by pressing the “Windows key” + “R” and typing “%temp%” in the Run dialog box.
- Look for any Excel files with the .xls or .xlsx extension.
- If you find the file you’re looking for, double-click it to open it in Excel.
- Save the file.
Method 2: Recovering Permanently Deleted Excel Files
If you’ve deleted an Excel file and then emptied your Recycle Bin, you may think that the file is lost forever. However, there are several methods for recovering permanently deleted Excel files:
1. Use a professional data recovery tool:
There are a variety of data recovery tools available on the market that can help you recover permanently deleted Excel files. Some popular options include:
- iSkysoft Data Recovery
- Recuva
- Wondershare Recoverit
These tools can scan your hard drive for deleted files and help you recover them. However, keep in mind that not all such tools can guarantee success, especially for files that have been deleted for a long time.
2. Check your cloud storage or backup service:
If you’ve saved the Excel file in a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud, you may be able to recover the file from there. Similarly, if you have a backup service in place, you can check for a previous version of the file there.
FAQs
Q: Can I recover an Excel file that I closed without saving?
A: Yes, there are a couple of methods you can try to recover an unsaved Excel file. One way is to use Excel’s Recover Unsaved Workbooks feature. Another way is to look for the file in the Temp folder.
Q: Is it possible to recover permanently deleted Excel files?
A: Yes, it is possible to recover permanently deleted Excel files, although it may require using a data recovery tool or checking your cloud storage or backup service.
Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on how to recover deleted or corrupted Excel files, check out this helpful video tutorial:
Conclusion
Recovering deleted or corrupted Excel files can be a stressful experience, but with the right methods and tools, it is possible to retrieve important data. Whether you accidentally closed an Excel file without saving it, or the file was permanently deleted, there are steps you can take to try and recover the file. Remember to always back up your important files and use data recovery tools carefully to avoid causing additional damage. Hopefully, this article has provided you with some helpful guidance to recover your lost Excel files.
