For a large number of people, Microsoft Excel is a daily tool for structuring, controlling, and interpreting data. Nevertheless, many people, unfortunately, have gone through the horrifying experience of losing a vital Excel file all of a sudden. Just one wrong click and the hours spent working on the file can practically be wiped out. Such an unexpected deletion is a quite prevalent issue, especially when the lost data is of significant importance. Luckily, I found out that Windows has several built-in functionalities to assist in getting back the deleted Excel files.
In this article, I will detail the various ways I recover lost Excel files. We will explore methods that are included as part of Windows features, previously created backups and third-party programs that you can trust to recover that data for you.
Generally, if an Excel file is deleted from a Windows PC, it will go directly to the Recycle Bin. This folder is often regarded as a temporary storage space for the files that have been deleted. The file is kept there for a certain number of days after which Windows will wipe it off from our computer automatically. If we, however, permanently delete the file by using the Shift + Delete command or by just emptying the Recycle Bin, the file becomes unnoticeable. But here is the very important thing that we keep in mind always: it is not the same as being erased from the hard drive right away.
The disk space previously occupied by the Excel file is merely indicated or marked as “available” for future data to come in. To be precise, until the system replaces that space with new data, we can still apply a special Windows data recovery software to retrieve the deleted file. So, the sooner we attempt to recover it, the greater the prospects of getting the document back.
After you realize why quick action is a must for a smooth Excel file recovery, it is time now to talk about the methods that I use. Just adhere to these steps and the restoration of the deleted Excel files on Windows will be a piece of cake for you.
Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin
The first step I take is to check the Recycle Bin for the missing file normally.
1. Double click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Look for the deleted Excel file among the list.
3. After finding it, right-click the file and choose “Restore.”
This will restore the file to its original location in our computer instantly.
Method 2: Restore Previous Versions
So, if I cannot find the particular file in the Recycle Bin, my next move will be to use the File History function in Windows to restore a previous version of the file.
1. Go to the folder where the Excel file was last saved by you.
2. Right-click on the folder and then click on “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Previous Versions” tab.
4. Select the folder version prior to the file deletion.
5. Click the “Restore” button.
I will say that I have only had success using this method if I had enabled File History or the System Restore function on my computer in advance.
Method 3: Use a Trustworthy Third-Party Windows Data Recovery Tool
If the Recycle Bin has been emptied or there are no previous versions of the file accessible, I will choose to use file recovery software as a final resort. To recover deleted Excel files, I will incorporate a specialized data recovery tool such as RecoveryFox AI. This software assists me in a quick and easy manner to recover lost or deleted Excel files even in cases like accidental deletion, formatting or emptying the Recycle Bin. It scans my storage device using AI mode to bring back files and thus, restoring the possibility of recovering Excel files.
Step 1: Visit the RecoveryFox AI website to download and install the application. It is always best to install the program on a different disk than the deleted excel file to avoid overwriting.
Step 2: Launch the software, and select the original location of the Excel file from the previously noted location on the main screen
Step 3: Click “Click to Scan” and the program will begin its scan.
Step 4: Once the scan has been completed, preview the files which can be recovered and check the contents of the files before recovery.
Step 5: Hit “Recover” to get files back to your device. It is advisable that you recover the Excel files to a storage location or drive different from the original one, in order not to lose the data by overwriting the existing files.
In my experience, these tips immensely increase the likelihood of a successful Windows data recovery:
Misplacing a crucial Excel file can be quite disturbing; however, based upon my experience, I have generally discovered that we as users can recover our data. As a general rule, if a file is missing, check the Recycle Bin (if applicable), any temporary files available, and any backups that you might have in multiple locations. If no backup file exists, just always use safe and secure third-party software recovery like RecoveryFox AI. After the Excel file is recovered, don’t forget to maintain a steady, consistent backup basis so loss of data will not happen again in the future.
We have all been able to delete a file from one of our devices without…
Accident injuries can flip your whole life upside down. You can be in the hospital,…
A company's data represents a fundamental asset for understanding the market and its potential. There…
In today's fast-paced business environment, short term loans have become an indispensable tool for many…
Your eCommerce website is eye-catching and loads fast, so you are increasing your sales quickly;…
We human beings don’t know who invented the Internet and technologies; however, we are still…