Any computer user knows that there is no guarantee that their data is hundred percent safe. Data insecurity implies hacking and viruses, and other reasons that may lead to corrupt files in your computer. Microsoft office suite files also face this challenge. Corrupted files in Excel can be the most uncomfortable position a user finds themselves in. Most Excel files hold essential data, and when corrupt, they may fail to open at times.
When Microsoft Excel detects a corrupted file when opening it, it automatically engages the File Recovery mode to repair it. At times this mode may not start immediately or fail to fix the file, thus needing a user to do it manually. In the article below, we get to know the different ways of recovering and repairing corrupt Excel files.
Let's get started.
Method 1: how to recover and repair corrupt files using Open and Repair in Excel
1. Launch the Microsoft Excel program on your computer.
2. In the open Excel Workbook, go to the File tab in the menu bar and then click the Open button to display a dialog box.
3. Click browse, in the Open dialog box, you will see many of your workbooks and documents, scroll through the different files, and select the corrupted file.
4. Once selected, click on the drop-down arrow next to the Open button.
5. Choose the Open and Repair option.
6. You will get the following pop-up.
Here, please select the option you prefer, and Excel will execute it. Save your file after you are done.
Method 2 How to recover corrupted file data
Way 1: create a recovery file at specific intervals
A recovery file for your workbook makes it possible for you to recover your workbook in case of accidental deletes or corrupted data. To automate this option here is what to do;
1. Click on the File tab in the menu bar.
2. Select Excel options to display a dialog box.
3. In the open dialog box, click the Save category.
4. In this category, under 'Save workbooks,' check the box Save AutoRecover information every, and then type in the preferred number representing minutes.
5. In the AutoRecover file location box, enter the location you want your recovery file saved.
6. Uncheck the Disable AutoRecover for this workbook only box, and click OK.
After doing this, your file will be saved, and in case of any data corruption on the main file, you can easily access your recovery file.
Way 2: save a backup copy of your workbook
Automatically saving a backup of your workbook ensures that you can access a good copy later when the original file is corrupted. Here's what to do
1. On the File menu tab, click Save As.
2. In the open Save As dialog box, please select a location where your workbook is located, and click on it.
3. Click on the drop-down arrow. It is located near the Save button.
4. On the given list, select General Options, and from the displayed box, check the Always create a backup checkbox.
