Forum Discussion

kayedehaitre's avatar
kayedehaitre
Copper Contributor
Jul 22, 2024

Excel

I have an excel spreadsheet with various categories named at the bottom which reflected at least six columns.

While adding a column, I inadvertently deleted all other columns when saving.  I was asked if I waned to replace the project with the current sheet and I said "yes".  Well, I know better not to do that, but my fingers were faster then my brain.

Can I retrieve all the data that was stored prior to replacing the sheet?

Help?

excel
  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor
    Jul 23, 2024

    kayedehaitre 

    If you accidentally deleted columns in your Excel spreadsheet and saved the file, there are a few methods you can try to recover your lost data:

    1. Check for AutoRecover Versions:

    Excel has an AutoRecover feature that might have saved a version of your file before the changes were made.

    1. Open Excel: Open Excel without opening the problematic file.
    2. Go to File: Click on the File tab.
    3. Info: Click on Info on the left menu.
    4. Manage Workbook: Click on Manage Workbook and look for any available versions of the file under Recover Unsaved Workbooks.
    5. Select and Open: If you find a version that looks like it could be the one you need, select it and open it. Save it with a new name to avoid overwriting it again.

    2. Restore from Previous Versions (Windows):

    If you're using Windows, you might be able to restore a previous version of the file using File History or a similar feature.

    1. Navigate to the File Location: Go to the folder where your file is saved.
    2. Right-click on the File: Right-click on the Excel file.
    3. Restore Previous Versions: Select Restore previous versions from the context menu.
    4. Select a Version: Look through the list of available previous versions and select one that predates the changes you made.
    5. Restore: Click Restore to revert to the selected version or Copy to create a copy of the previous version without overwriting the current file.

    3. Check OneDrive or SharePoint Versions:

    If your file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, these services have version history features.

    OneDrive:

    1. Open OneDrive Online: Go to your OneDrive in a web browser.
    2. Find Your File: Navigate to the file in question.
    3. Version History: Right-click the file and select Version history.
    4. Restore: Review and restore an earlier version of the file.

    SharePoint:

    1. Open SharePoint Online: Go to the SharePoint document library where your file is stored.
    2. Find Your File: Navigate to the file in question.
    3. Version History: Click on the ellipsis (three dots) next to the file name and select Version history.
    4. Restore: Review and restore an earlier version of the file.

    4. Use Data Recovery Software:

    As a last resort, you can try using data recovery software like Recuva, Ease US Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill. These tools can sometimes recover previous versions of files or deleted data from your hard drive.

    Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss:

    • Enable AutoSave: If you're working with OneDrive or SharePoint, enabling AutoSave can help prevent data loss.
    • Regular Backups: Make regular backups of important files.
    • Use Excel's AutoRecover: Ensure that Excel's AutoRecover feature is turned on (File > Options > Save > Save AutoRecover information every X minutes). The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

    Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and Like it!

    This will help all forum participants.

Resources