Efficient Strategies to Retrieve Unsaved Excel Files- A Comprehensive Guide_1

How to recover the excel file which is not saved

Losing an unsaved Excel file can be a frustrating experience, especially when you have spent hours working on it. However, there are several methods you can try to recover your lost work. In this article, we will discuss the most effective ways to recover an unsaved Excel file and ensure that your valuable data is not lost forever.

1. Check the AutoRecover Folder

Microsoft Excel automatically saves a copy of your work in the AutoRecover folder at regular intervals. To recover your unsaved file, follow these steps:

a. Open Microsoft Excel.
b. Go to the “File” menu and select “Open.”
c. In the “Look in” field, navigate to the following location: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART.
d. Look for a file with a name similar to “Book1_autorecovery.xlsm” or “Book1_autorecovery.xlsx.” This file contains the last saved version of your work.
e. Open the file to recover your data.

2. Use the “Recent Files” List

If you have recently worked on the file, it might appear in the “Recent Files” list in Excel. To check for it:

a. Open Microsoft Excel.
b. Go to the “File” menu and click on “Open.”
c. Scroll through the “Recent Files” list to find your unsaved Excel file.
d. Click on the file to open it.

3. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

If you accidentally deleted the file, it might still be in the Recycle Bin (on Windows) or Trash (on Mac). To recover the file:

a. Open the Recycle Bin or Trash.
b. Find the Excel file you want to recover.
c. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” (on Windows) or drag the file out of the Trash (on Mac).

4. Use File Recovery Software

If the above methods do not work, you can use file recovery software to scan your computer for the deleted or unsaved Excel file. Some popular file recovery tools include:

a. Recuva
b. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
c. Stellar Data Recovery

To use file recovery software:

a. Download and install the file recovery software on your computer.
b. Run the software and select the drive where your Excel file was located.
c. Start the scan process and wait for the software to search for the lost file.
d. Once the scan is complete, locate the Excel file and select it for recovery.
e. Choose a safe location to save the recovered file and click “Recover.”

By following these steps, you should be able to recover your unsaved Excel file and get back to work without losing any of your important data. Remember to save your work regularly to prevent future data loss.