Excel File Corrupted and Cannot Be Opened: 5 Quick Fixes!

Have you ever faced the problem where an Excel file is corrupted and cannot be opened? It’s frustrating, right? You open your file, but it shows "Excel file corrupted and cannot be opened". Let's find out how to fix it!

This Excel file is corrupted and cannot be opened. It stops you from doing your work. You’re left wondering why the Excel file cannot open corrupt data.

So, why does this happen? More importantly, how can you fix it? Let's delve into this issue and explore some quick fixes.

Part 1: What Is The Excel File Corrupted And Cannot Be Opened Error?

The "Excel file corrupted and cannot be opened" error appears when your file is damaged. Excel cannot open the file because it cannot read the corrupt data. This error message is a sign that your file is not usable in its current state.

Excel files can get corrupted for many reasons, making them unreadable. When this happens, Excel cannot open the file. It's a common issue, but there are ways to fix it.

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Part 2: What Causes The "This Excel File Is Corrupted And Cannot Be Opened" Error?

Here are some factors that can lead to the "This Excel file is corrupted and cannot be opened" error:

• Sudden Power Cut: Abrupt system shutdowns while working on an Excel file can cause corruption. This often results in the Excel file not opening when you try to access it again.
• Improper Saving: If there are interruptions during the saving process or if the file is not saved correctly, it can become corrupted. This can lead to the Excel file corrupted cannot open issue later on.
• Viruses and Malicious Software: Infection by viruses or malware can damage Excel files, making them unreadable. When an Excel file is infected, Excel cannot open the file, resulting in the error message.
• Faulty Hard Drive: Problems with your hard drive can corrupt files. This can cause Excel files to become unreadable.
• Bad Sectors on Disk: If your disk has bad sectors, it can lead to file corruption. This can prevent Excel from opening the file.
• Unexpected System Shutdowns: Any unexpected shutdown or crash can damage open files. This can make Excel files unreadable and lead to corruption.

Using reliable antivirus software can help prevent such issues, and ensuring proper saving practices can reduce the risk of file corruption.

Part 3: How To Fix the “This Excel File Is Corrupted And Cannot Be Opened” Problem?

Fixing an Excel file corrupted and cannot be opened is possible. Here are some effective solutions:

Fix 1: Use Repairit To Fix Corrupt Excel File

When an Excel file is corrupted and cannot be opened, using specialized software like Repairit can be a lifesaver. Repairit is designed to repair corrupted files and recover data that might otherwise be lost. This software can handle various types of file corruption, making it a versatile tool for resolving Excel file issues.

Repairit works by scanning the corrupted file and identifying the areas that are damaged. It then uses advanced algorithms to repair these areas and restore the file to a usable state. This process is efficient and effective, making it possible to recover files that may seem beyond repair.

Here’s how you can use Repairit to fix your corrupted Excel file:

1. Download and install Repairit. Launch Repairit. Click on Add. Select the corrupted Excel file.

   

2. Click Repair.

   

3. Wait for the process to complete.

   

Fix 2: Use Open And Repair Utility

Excel has a built-in utility called Open and Repair, which can be incredibly useful when Excel cannot open the file due to corruption. This utility is designed to fix minor corruption issues and open your file without the need for additional software.

Using the Open and Repair utility is straightforward and can often resolve the problem quickly. Follow these steps:

1. Open Excel. Click File, then Open. Select the corrupted file.

   

2. Click the arrow next to Open. Select Open and Repair. Follow the prompts.

Fix 3: Save The File In A Different Format

Sometimes, saving the corrupted file in a different format can help resolve the issue. When an Excel file corrupted and cannot be opened, changing the file format can bypass certain corruption issues and make the file accessible again. This method is simple and can be done using Excel itself. Here are the steps:

1. Open Excel. Click File, then Open. Open the corrupted file.

   

2. Click File, then Save As. Choose .xls or .xlsx format. Save the file.

Fix 4: Enable Protected View

Enabling Protected View can sometimes help when Excel is not opening a corrupted file. Protected View is a feature in Excel that allows you to open files in a safe mode, which can prevent further corruption and help you access the data. This method is particularly useful if the file has been downloaded from the internet or received via email.

Here’s how to enable Protected View:

1. Open Excel. Click File, then Options. Click Trust Center button.

   

2. Click Protected View. Enable all options. Click OK.

Fix 5: Set Calculation To Manual

Setting the calculation mode to manual can sometimes help when an Excel file is corrupted and cannot be opened. This method can reduce the processing load on Excel and make it easier to open the corrupted file. By setting the calculation to manual, you can prevent Excel from trying to calculate complex formulas during the file opening process.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Excel. Click File, then Options. Click Formulas.

   

2. Select Manual under the Calculation options. Click OK.

Part 4: Lost Important Excel Files During Fixing?

Have you lost important Excel files? It can be a stressful experience, especially when those files contain critical data. But don't worry, there is a solution. Use Recoverit. Recoverit is a powerful data recovery tool that can help you retrieve your lost files, even if they are corrupted.

Recoverit is designed to handle various data loss scenarios, including accidental deletion, system crashes, and file corruption. Whether your files were lost due to a power failure or a virus attack, Recoverit can assist in recovering them. It’s user-friendly and efficient.

Steps to Use Recoverit:

1. First, click the download link above to download and install the Recoverit software on your computer. It is available for both Windows and Mac. Open the program. You will see a simple and intuitive interface. Choose the location or drive where your Excel file was saved before it got lost or corrupted. Click on the Start button to begin the scanning process.

   

2. Recoverit will scan the selected location to find the lost or corrupted Excel files.

   

3. Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of recoverable files. You can preview them to verify their integrity. Select the files you want to recover and click on the Recover button.

   

Choose a safe location to save the recovered files. It’s advisable to save them on a different drive to avoid overwriting any existing data.

Using Recoverit can save you from the panic of losing important Excel files. It's a reliable tool that ensures you can recover your data quickly and efficiently, even if the files are corrupted.

Part 5: Tips To Avoid The Excel Not Opening Issue

To prevent encountering the "Excel file corrupted and cannot be opened" error, consider these helpful tips:

• Regular Backups: Always back up your Excel files regularly. This ensures that if an Excel file corrupted and cannot be opened, you have a recent copy available. You can use cloud storage or external drives for backups.
• Reliable Antivirus Software: Use reliable antivirus software to protect your computer. Viruses and malware can corrupt files, causing Excel not to open. Regular scans can help prevent this.
• Proper Saving Practices: Ensure you save your files properly. Avoid interruptions during the saving process. Never shut down your system while Excel is saving a file, as this can lead to corruption.
• Stable Power Supply: Use a stable power supply or a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). Sudden power cuts can corrupt open Excel files, making them unreadable later.
• Disk Maintenance: Regularly check your hard drive for bad sectors. Use built-in tools like Disk Check to scan and fix any issues. Bad sectors on your disk can lead to file corruption.
• System Updates: Keep your operating system and Excel software up to date. Updates often include fixes for bugs and issues that can cause file corruption. Make sure you install updates promptly.

Following these tips can help you avoid the frustrating experience of not being able to open an Excel file due to corruption. Prevention is always better than cure!

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Conclusion

Facing an Excel file corrupted and cannot be opened can be incredibly annoying and disruptive. It's a common problem that can hinder your productivity and cause frustration. Understanding what causes this issue is crucial. Knowing the reasons behind the error can help you prevent it from happening again in the future.

The good news is that fixing the “this Excel file is corrupted and cannot be opened” problem is possible with the right tools and techniques. There are various solutions, such as using Repairit, the Open and Repair utility, saving the file in a different format, enabling Protected View, or setting the calculation to manual. Each of these methods can help you recover your valuable data and get back to work.

To avoid encountering this issue in the future, it is essential to always back up your data.