Method 1: Reopen and Save
The simplest method to recover an Excel sheet that has become moldy, so to speak, is to attempt reopening the file.
- Locate the file on your computer.
- Open it using Microsoft Excel or the compatible software you used to create the document.
- If Excel shows a recover option, select it.
- If the file opens but looks corrupted or garbled, try saving it as a new file to preserve any recoverable data.
Be cautious: If the file does not open or is still corrupted, do not save over the original until you've successfully recovered or backed up the data.
Method 2: Use Excel AutoRecover
Microsoft Excel has an AutoRecover feature that can save your work at regular intervals, which can be a lifesaver in situations where files become corrupted or damaged:
- Open Excel, go to 'File' > 'Options' > 'Save'.
- Ensure 'Save AutoRecover information every X minutes' is checked.
- Navigate to the AutoRecover file location, typically 'C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\'.
- Look for any recently saved .xlsb or .xlsx files that might be your lost work.
Method 3: Open and Repair
When a file is heavily corrupted, Excel's built-in repair tool might help:
- Open Excel.
- Go to 'File' > 'Open', find the moldy file, but don't open it yet.
- Click on the 'Open' dropdown and choose 'Open and Repair'.
- Excel will attempt to recover data from the file.
This process is especially useful when the file shows errors or becomes unresponsive upon normal opening.
Method 4: Recover from Backup
If you had regular backups or versioning set up, you might still have a copy of your moldy Excel sheet:
- Check your backup locations, such as external hard drives, cloud storage, or version control systems like SharePoint.
- Locate a recent backup version of your file.
- Copy this file to your local machine and attempt to open it.
Remember to always set up regular backups to avoid such scenarios in the future.
Method 5: Third-Party Recovery Tools
Sometimes, Excel's built-in tools won't suffice, and third-party applications can come to the rescue:
- Research reputable data recovery software like Stellar Phoenix Excel Recovery, Easy Excel Recovery, or Kernel for Excel.
- Download and install the software.
- Follow the recovery instructions, which typically involve selecting the affected file or location and initiating the recovery process.
Warning: Be wary of free recovery tools that might offer limited functionality or contain malware. Invest in trusted paid software for better reliability.
Final Thoughts
Losing or damaging important Excel sheets can be a nightmare for anyone relying on data for their work. However, as this post outlines, there are several approaches to recover moldy Excel sheets. From simple steps like reopening the file to employing third-party tools, the chances of retrieving your data are quite high if you act promptly and methodically. Always remember the importance of regular backups, AutoRecover, and perhaps most importantly, saving your work frequently to avoid the mold in the first place.
What causes Excel files to become moldy?
+
Corruption can occur due to hardware failures, power outages during saving, software bugs, or even viruses and malware. It’s not mold in the literal sense but refers to the file’s integrity being compromised.
Can I recover a file if my computer crashes?
+
Yes, if AutoRecover was enabled or if you had backups. You might also look for temporary files Excel might have saved during the crash.
Are Excel backups automatically created?
+
AutoRecover can create temporary backup files, but these are not permanent. You need to manually save your work or set up external backup systems for reliable protection.
