Repair and restore damaged Excel files

A damaged Excel file can also be repaired using Excel - just like any other office file. No additional programs are necessary for this process.

Repair and restore Office files

This method of repairing Excel files works from Office 2003.

1. Start Excel on your computer.
2. Depending on the version, click on "File" or the "Office" button at the top left and select the "Open" item.
3. Now select the desired Excel file and click on the arrow next to "Open" (see picture).
4. Click here on "Open and Repair".
5. Confirm the query by clicking on "Repair". It is now trying to repair the Excel file. If this is successful, save the file.
6. If an error has occurred or the file has not been repaired, repeat the process. In the final query, however, do not click on "Repair" but on "Extract data". The file should now be repaired at the latest.

If you want to restore an Excel file that has been moved to the recycle bin, this practical tip will help you. If you have accidentally deleted the file and have already emptied the recycle bin, you can try to restore it using the free Windows program "Recuva".