Power failures and accidental shutdowns result in losing important unsaved Excel files. Luckily, it is easy to do Excel repair and retrieve and recover unsaved files and worksheets.
Sometimes, you may lose a new file you hadn't saved that. Also, if you were busy making important changes in a file that was already saved in the device at least once, you will lose the file due to sudden shutdown.
In this article, we will tell you how to do Excel repair and recover your lost files. We will also share simple tips to avoid losing important data due to power outages.
Excel Repair – The Automated Way
AutoSave & AutoRecover:
To avoid losing Excel files due to accidental shutdowns, you should ENABLE the AutoSave and AutoRepair features in Excel.
Excel AutoSave—It is a tool that saves new documents automatically.
Excel AutoRecover—Another tool that helps in recovering unsaved files. By using AutoRecover, you can also access the last saved version of the file. However, it only works when the file has already been saved on the device.
By enabling these features, you can recover unsaved files easily. By using these features, you can avoid losing new and edited files and won’t need Excel repair.
Fortunately, both AutoSave and AutoRecoverfeatures are already enabled in Excel. However, if they aren't working on your computer, check the setting and enable them manually.
Excel Repair-Recovering Unsaved Excel Files
It takes a moment when your computer (device) goes off and you lose the unsaved file you were working on. Here are some simple steps to help you in retrieving your lost Excel file.
Method 1
Step 1: Go to File and choose Open.
Step 2: Choose Recent Files/Workbooks
Step 3: Scroll down the list and choose Recover Unsaved Files/Workbooks. You will see this option at the bottom of the list.
Step 4: You will see a dialog box saying Open. Choose the Excel file you want to retrieve and select Open.
Method 2
Step 1: Go to File and choose Info.
Step 2: Choose Manage Workbooks.
Step 3: Scroll down the drop menu and select Recover Unsaved Workbooks/Files.
Step 4: In the Open dialog box, choose the file you require. Now press Open.
Result for Method 1 & 2
Both methods are simple and work well for Excel repair. By using these methods, you will be able to recover the unsaved Excel file you lost.
As a result of the methods above, the lost Excel file will open in Excel. The program will show an automatic message asking you to save the file. Choose the Save As option in the menu on top of the file. Now, save the file to the desired location.
Tips to Avoid Losing Excel Files Due to Power Outages:
- Make sure your device is connected to the charger when in use.
- If you are working away from the charger, or if the power goes off, keep on the battery.
- Save files and shut down the computer when the battery is less than 20%.
- When making new files or editing old ones, keep hitting the Save key frequently.
Last Words:
Losing your Excel files and workbooks is very frustrating but common. Problems like power outages, battery breakdowns, and sudden shutdowns are inevitable. And, when they happen, you may lose files you had been working on for several hours.
Retrieve your lost unsaved Excel files by these easy Excel repair methods.
