How to repair corrupted Excel files?

[shivgupta]

To repair corrupted Excel files, you can follow these steps:

1. Online Repair Services: Several websites offer online Excel repair services where you can upload your corrupted file, and they will attempt to repair it for you. Examples include Online File Repair, FileRepairOnline, and RepairMyExcel. Keep in mind that while some services may be free, others may require payment for their services.
2. Convert to Another Format: If traditional repair methods fail, you can try converting the corrupted Excel file to another format, such as CSV (Comma-Separated Values) or XLSX (Excel Open XML Spreadsheet). Then, open the converted file in Excel and see if the data is intact. While this method may not recover all formatting or formulas, it can sometimes salvage the data itself.
3. Use Excel's External Data Feature: If you're unable to open the corrupted Excel file directly in Excel, you can try using Excel's External Data feature to import the data from the corrupted file into a new Excel workbook. This method may allow you to retrieve at least some of the data from the corrupted file.
4. Data Recovery Services: If the Excel file contains critical data and other methods fail, you may consider using professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering data from corrupted storage devices and files, including Excel files. However, keep in mind that professional data recovery services can be costly and may not always be successful.
5. Check for Backup Copies: If you have backup copies of the corrupted Excel file, you can attempt to restore the file from your backup. Always ensure that you regularly back up important files to prevent data loss in case of file corruption.
6. Use Third-Party Repair Tools: There are several third-party tools available specifically designed to repair corrupted Excel files. Tools like Kernel for Excel Repair, and others can be helpful in fixing complex corruption issues.