Excel spreadsheet disappeared and I cannot recover it

[LindaG975]

Hello,

I spent two hours today creating an excel spreadsheet in Excel for Mac.  First the spinning wheel of death came on and then it crashed and I could not find the spreadsheet I created. I didn't name it, or physically save it. I created it this morning between 7:30 am - 9:30 am central Daylight time. When I tried to re-open about 11 am, the spinning wheel came on and then I couldn't find the file.

[#2]

@LindaG975 

If you didn't manually save the file or give it a name before encountering the spinning wheel of death, there is a possibility that the file was not saved at all.

But still, here are some possible methods by which you can recover the unsaved file-

1. Check if the Auto-Recover Feature saved a copy of your file. Go to File menu > Open Recent > Recover Unsaved Workbooks.
2. There might be a temporary copy of your file in a folder. Go to Finder > Go > Go to Folder > Enter the following path "~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/Office 16/Excel AutoRecovery" and click Go. Look if your file is there.

I highly doubt that this will work as your file was not manually saved, but it's no harm in giving it a shot. If your file was really really important, i'd suggest you use a data recovery tool to recover it.

I wish you the best of luck.

Best Regards.

[#3]

Losing an Excel spreadsheet can be irritating, but there are various manual strategies you can use to retrieve it. Here is a step-with the aid of-step approach to help you repair a deleted Excel spreadsheet -

However, here are some probable techniques for recovering unsaved files:

• Try to see if the Auto-Recovery Feature is stored a copy of your file. 
• Go to File > Open Recent > Recover Unsaved Workbooks.
• There could be a temporary copy of your file in a folder. Navigate to Finder > Go > Folder > Enter the path "~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft. Excel/Data/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/Office 16/Excel AutoRecovery" and select Go. Check to see if your file is still there.

Try resetting Excel's file associations to their default. For this, follow the procedures below, depending on your operating system.

For Windows 10 and Windows 8.1:

• Choose the file that is not opening properly and copy it to the desktop.
• Right-click the file and select properties.
• In the File's 'Properties' box, verify the file type next to the type of File on the General tab. For example: (.docx), (.csv), or (.pdf).
• Next, check which program your file is associated with using the Opens with option.

If the file type isn't.xlsx, follow these procedures to open it in a different application:

• Click the Change button next to the 'Opens with' selection.
• Click More Apps.
• From the list of applications, select the appropriate app and then check they always use this app. Click OK.

Regarding Windows 8:

• Open set Control Panel, then Default Programs, followed by setting your default programs.
• Select Excel, then tap the Choose default for this program.
• In the 'Set Program Associations' window, select All and then click Save.

Regarding Windows 7:

• In the Control Panel, select Default Programs.
• Click "Associate a file type or protocol with a specific program".
• Select Microsoft Excel Worksheet and click on Change Program.
• Choose Microsoft Excel from the list of recommended programs.
• If you can't find Excel, look in the Excel installation folder.
• Select exe, then Excel.

If the procedures listed above do not work, try Softaken MS Excel Recovery Software. These apps analyze your computer for deleted or lost files and try to recover them. Install the software, follow the instructions, and you will be able to simply repair Corrupted Excel File in 2024. This application works with all versions of Windows and Microsoft Office.

[#4]

I am having the same issue but in Windows... spent 36 hours straight working on it, then due to my delirium didn't save it before restarting my computer after installing a new program. I am NOT tech savvy AT ALL. Have tried recovering unsaved workbooks to no avail... opened everything on the list just to make sure I'm not nuts. Literally EVERYTHING else I worked on all weekend was there except for this. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.... I need the version for dummies! Please and THANK YOU!!!!!