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How to Find Deleted Excel File?

If you’re like many people, you’ve probably encountered the frustrating feeling of losing an important Excel file. Whether it was accidentally deleted, misplaced, or corrupted, the feeling of dread is not a pleasant one. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to try and locate a lost or deleted Excel file. In this article, we’ll discuss the various methods you can use to find a deleted Excel file, including using third-party software, using the recycle bin, and using Windows search. With the information provided in this article, you’ll be able to quickly find your precious lost file.

How to Find Deleted Excel File?

How to Retrieve Lost Excel Files

It happens to the best of us: you’re working on an important Excel spreadsheet, and suddenly the file is gone. You may have accidentally deleted it, or you may have closed Excel without saving the file. Whatever the cause, if you’re wondering how to find deleted Excel files, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to recover your lost Excel files.

The first thing you should do when attempting to recover a lost Excel file is to search for it on your computer. Look in the folder where you usually save your Excel files, as well as in any other likely locations. If you can’t find the file, you may have accidentally deleted it. Don’t panic yet, though – there’s still a chance you can recover it.

1. Search for the File in the Recycle Bin

The first step is to search for the file in the Recycle Bin. If you’ve accidentally deleted the file, it may still be in the Recycle Bin. To search the Recycle Bin, open it and look for the file. If you find it, you can simply restore it and you’re good to go.

If the file isn’t in the Recycle Bin, don’t worry – there are still other options. The next step is to attempt to recover the file using the AutoRecover feature in Excel.

2. Use the AutoRecover Feature in Excel

The AutoRecover feature in Excel can be a lifesaver when it comes to recovering lost files. It automatically saves a backup copy of your Excel files every few minutes, so you may be able to recover your lost file from a recent backup. To access the AutoRecover feature, open Excel and go to the File menu. Select “Open” and then select “Recent” in the left sidebar. Underneath the list of recent files, you should see an option to recover unsaved workbooks. If you find your lost file here, you can simply select it and open it.

If the AutoRecover feature doesn’t work, you can try using a third-party data recovery program.

3. Use a Third-Party Data Recovery Program

If you’re still unable to recover your lost file, you may need to use a third-party data recovery program. There are a number of programs available that can help you recover lost files, including EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, and Disk Drill. These programs allow you to scan your hard drive for any traces of your lost file and recover it.

4. Use File History

If you’re using Windows 10, you can use the File History feature to recover lost files. To access the File History feature, open the Start menu and type “File History” into the search box. Select the File History option and select “Restore Personal Files”. You can then search for your lost file and restore it if you find it.

5. Ask for Help From Your IT Department

If all else fails, you can always ask for help from your IT department. They may be able to help you recover your lost file using specialized software or by restoring a backup.

Conclusion

Losing an important Excel file can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. In this article, we’ve discussed the steps you can take to recover lost files, including searching the Recycle Bin, using the AutoRecover feature in Excel, using a third-party data recovery program, using File History, and asking for help from your IT department. With a little luck, you should be able to recover your lost file.

Related FAQ

1. What is the best way to find a deleted Excel file?

The best way to find a deleted Excel file is to use a reliable data recovery software. These types of programs can scan through your computer’s hard drive (or any other storage device) and look for deleted files. Depending on the specific program you are using, you will be able to choose to look for specific file types, such as Excel documents, or you can choose to search for all file types. Once the program finds the deleted files, you will then be able to choose which ones you wish to recover. It is important to note, however, that deleted files may not always be recoverable, so it is best to use a data recovery program as soon as you can after the file has been deleted.

2. How do I know if I have successfully recovered my deleted Excel file?

Once you have used a data recovery program to search for and recover your deleted Excel file, it is important to check the file to make sure that it is the correct one and that it is intact. To do this, you will need to open the file in Excel and check that the content and formatting are as expected. If the file appears to be intact, then you have successfully recovered your deleted Excel file.

3. What should I do if I can’t find my deleted Excel file?

If you have used a data recovery program to search for your deleted Excel file but have not been able to find it, then there are a few steps that you can take. Firstly, you should check the options in the data recovery program to make sure that it is set to search for the correct file type. If this is not the issue, then you should check to see if you have any backups of the file stored on an external drive or in the cloud. If this is not the case, then it is likely that the file has been permanently deleted and is not recoverable.

4. Is it possible to prevent Excel files from being deleted in the future?

Yes, it is possible to prevent Excel files from being deleted in the future. One way to do this is to create a backup of your files and store them in an external drive or in the cloud. This way, if a file is accidentally deleted, you will have a backup that you can use to recover the file. Additionally, you can also create a system of regular backups for your files, so that you always have a recent version of the file that can be recovered.

5. Are there any risks associated with using a data recovery program to find a deleted Excel file?

Yes, there are some risks associated with using a data recovery program to find a deleted Excel file. Firstly, it is important to make sure that you use a reliable and reputable program, as some data recovery programs can contain malicious software that can cause harm to your computer. Additionally, there is also a risk that the file may not be recoverable, or that the recovered file may be corrupted or incomplete.

6. Is it possible to recover an Excel file that was deleted more than a week ago?

It is possible to recover an Excel file that was deleted more than a week ago, but the success rate of doing so is much lower than if the file had been deleted recently. This is because, as time passes, the data on the hard drive is overwritten, making it more difficult for the data recovery program to find the deleted file. Additionally, if the file has been stored on an external drive or in the cloud, then it may still be possible to recover it, even if it was deleted more than a week ago.

How to Recover Unsaved/Deleted Excel Files? Excel Document Recovery

In conclusion, recovering deleted Excel files can be a tricky process, but it is possible if you know where to look. With the help of data recovery software, you can easily restore the deleted Excel file. Furthermore, understanding the file system and knowing how to search for the deleted file can help you find the Excel file if it has been removed from the Recycle Bin. With the right approach and knowledge, you can find and restore deleted Excel files with ease.