Forum Discussion
Can't open XLSX file, extension not valid
Hello,
I can't open an Excel file that is important to me due to the extension not being valid or corrupted.
I've tried about everything that I could find online but havent been able to solve it, possibly due to a different Excel version?
It's a file that has been on an external hard drive (not sure if this matters), but it doesn't matter where I transport it to, I can't seem to do anything with it. I had to move it to the PC to edit te security tab to "everyone'.
Things I've tried out:
- Security tab (everyone)
- Repairing the file trough Excel itself (also tried just getting te values out)
- Opening in safe mode
- Changing file extension to XLS/XLSX/XLTX (I can open under XLS, but all data has been lost)
I haven't tried options like Stellar repair, I'm usually cautious with these things.
Does anyone have ideas? It is much appreciated!
Thanks
Mathias
If you have already tried common methods to repair a corrupted Excel file without success, and changing the file extension to XLS didn't work, you can try the following additional steps:
1. Open and Repair:
- Open Excel.
- Go to "File" > "Open."
- Navigate to the location of the corrupted XLSX file.
- Select the file, click on the arrow next to the "Open" button, and choose "Open and Repair."
2. Use Excel Viewer:
- Download and install the Microsoft Excel Viewer, which is a free application that allows you to view and print Excel files. Even if you can't edit the file, you might be able to view its contents.
3. Copy and Paste:
- Open a new Excel workbook.
- Try opening the corrupted file in Notepad.
- Copy the content from Notepad.
- Paste the content into the new Excel workbook.
4. Recover Previous Version:
- Right-click on the corrupted file.
- Select "Properties."
- Go to the "Previous Versions" tab.
- Check if there's a previous version of the file available and restore it.
5. Try on Another Computer:
- If possible, try opening the file on another computer with a different version of Excel.
6. Use Third-Party Tools:
- As a last resort, you might consider using reputable third-party file repair tools. Tools like Stellar Repair for Excel, as you mentioned, are designed for this purpose. Ensure you download such tools from trusted sources.
7. Check Event Viewer:
- Open the Event Viewer on your computer.
- Look for any error messages related to the Excel file. This might provide additional information on what's causing the issue.
8. Recover Data from External Hard Drive:
- If the file was originally on an external hard drive, try recovering it from the drive again and see if there were any issues during the transfer.
Remember to create a backup of the corrupted file before attempting any repair methods, especially if you decide to use third-party tools. If none of the above methods work, it might be worth reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance or considering professional data recovery services. The text/steps was revised with the AI.
Hope this will help you.
Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and like it!
This will help all forum participants.
If you have already tried common methods to repair a corrupted Excel file without success, and changing the file extension to XLS didn't work, you can try the following additional steps:
1. Open and Repair:
- Open Excel.
- Go to "File" > "Open."
- Navigate to the location of the corrupted XLSX file.
- Select the file, click on the arrow next to the "Open" button, and choose "Open and Repair."
2. Use Excel Viewer:
- Download and install the Microsoft Excel Viewer, which is a free application that allows you to view and print Excel files. Even if you can't edit the file, you might be able to view its contents.
3. Copy and Paste:
- Open a new Excel workbook.
- Try opening the corrupted file in Notepad.
- Copy the content from Notepad.
- Paste the content into the new Excel workbook.
4. Recover Previous Version:
- Right-click on the corrupted file.
- Select "Properties."
- Go to the "Previous Versions" tab.
- Check if there's a previous version of the file available and restore it.
5. Try on Another Computer:
- If possible, try opening the file on another computer with a different version of Excel.
6. Use Third-Party Tools:
- As a last resort, you might consider using reputable third-party file repair tools. Tools like Stellar Repair for Excel, as you mentioned, are designed for this purpose. Ensure you download such tools from trusted sources.
7. Check Event Viewer:
- Open the Event Viewer on your computer.
- Look for any error messages related to the Excel file. This might provide additional information on what's causing the issue.
8. Recover Data from External Hard Drive:
- If the file was originally on an external hard drive, try recovering it from the drive again and see if there were any issues during the transfer.
Remember to create a backup of the corrupted file before attempting any repair methods, especially if you decide to use third-party tools. If none of the above methods work, it might be worth reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance or considering professional data recovery services. The text/steps was revised with the AI.
Hope this will help you.
Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and like it!
This will help all forum participants.
- Thanks for the extensive response.
Unfortunately all steps have failed, altough I don't know how the event viewer works so I gave up on that, so I'll be trying professional help.
Thank you!MathiasssI had the same problem when I copied a good file to a new subfolder. I think this was the issue: This error message occurs when you save or open a file if the path to the file (including the file name) exceeds 218 characters. This limitation includes three characters representing the drive, the characters in folder names, the backslash character between folders, and the characters in the file name.
Hope that helps.
I am having similar problems. I wonder if it is related to onedrive, which I recently started using. NikolinoDE
Welcome to your Excel discussion space!
Please read the information in the link above.
In addition, I recommend opening a new discussion
(found in the upper left part of the forum "Start a New Discussion") about your issue.
Hi Mathias,
I understand your caution regarding third-party repair tools, but there are some trusted and widely used tools for repairing corrupted Excel files.
You can also find reviews of the software from MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) in the Excel who have tested and verified its effectiveness. This should help ease any concerns you might have.
If you decide to give it a try, make sure to download it from the official website to avoid any risks.
You Can Also Reach Out to support team of the tools that you have tried.
Good luck, and I hope this helps!
