How to recover previous Excel file is a common concern for many users who have accidentally deleted or lost their important data. Whether it’s due to a system crash, accidental deletion, or a virus attack, the loss of an Excel file can be a distressing experience. However, there are several methods you can try to recover your previous Excel file and restore your peace of mind.
Firstly, it’s essential to act quickly when you realize that your Excel file is missing. The sooner you start the recovery process, the higher the chances of successfully retrieving your data. Here are some steps you can follow to recover your previous Excel file:
1.
Check the Recycle Bin or Trash: The first place to look for your deleted Excel file is the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). If you’ve deleted the file, it might still be there. Simply open the Recycle Bin or Trash, locate the file, and restore it to its original location.
2.
Use the ‘Undo Delete’ feature: If you’ve deleted the file recently, you might be able to undo the deletion. In Excel, press ‘Ctrl + Z’ (Windows) or ‘Cmd + Z’ (Mac) to undo the delete action. This will restore the file to its previous location.
3.
Check the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder: If you’re using an online version of Excel (OneDrive or SharePoint), check the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder. This folder stores deleted files for a certain period, allowing you to recover them before they are permanently deleted.
4.
Enable ‘AutoRecover’: If you have enabled the ‘AutoRecover’ feature in Excel, it will automatically save a copy of your file at regular intervals. To access the AutoRecover files, go to ‘File’ > ‘Open’ > ‘AutoRecover Files’. This will display a list of recently saved files, including the AutoRecover versions. Select the desired file and click ‘Open’ to restore it.
5.
Use a file recovery tool: If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a file recovery tool. There are many free and paid tools available that can help you recover deleted or lost Excel files. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. These tools can scan your hard drive and recover deleted files, including Excel files.
6.
Backup your files regularly: To prevent future data loss, it’s crucial to backup your Excel files regularly. Use external hard drives, cloud storage services, or network-attached storage (NAS) devices to store copies of your important files. This way, even if you lose your original files, you can easily recover them from the backup.
In conclusion, recovering a previous Excel file can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and tools, it’s possible to restore your lost data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of successfully recovering your Excel file and minimizing the impact of data loss.
