Efficient Methods to Retrieve Deleted Files in Excel- A Comprehensive Guide

How to recover deleted file in Excel: A Comprehensive Guide

Accidentally deleting an Excel file can be a frustrating experience, especially when it contains important data. Whether you’ve deleted a file intentionally or by mistake, there are several methods you can use to recover your deleted Excel file. In this article, we will discuss the most effective ways to recover deleted files in Excel, so you can get your data back quickly and easily.

1. Check the Recycle Bin

The first place you should check for a deleted Excel file is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file on your computer, it is often moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. To recover a file from the Recycle Bin:

1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
2. Locate the Excel file you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore.” This will move the file back to its original location.

2. Use the “Undo Delete” Command

Another quick way to recover a deleted Excel file is by using the “Undo Delete” command. This command is available in Excel for a short period after you delete a file. To use this command:

1. Open Excel and navigate to the “File” menu.
2. Select “Open” and then choose “Recent Files.” If the deleted file is listed, simply double-click on it to open it.
3. If the file is not listed, you may still be able to use the “Undo Delete” command. Press “Ctrl + Z” to undo the delete action.

3. Use Excel’s “Recover Unsaved Workbooks” Feature

Excel has a built-in feature that allows you to recover unsaved workbooks. If you recently deleted a file and did not save it, you may be able to recover it using this feature. To use the “Recover Unsaved Workbooks” feature:

1. Open Excel and navigate to the “File” menu.
2. Select “Options” and then click on the “Advanced” tab.
3. Scroll down to the “General” section and check the “Prompt to recover workbooks on opening” option.
4. Close Excel and reopen it. Excel will prompt you to recover unsaved workbooks. If your deleted file is listed, click “Yes” to recover it.

4. Restore from a Backup

If you have a backup of your Excel files, you can easily restore the deleted file from the backup. This method is particularly useful if you regularly back up your files. To restore a file from a backup:

1. Locate the backup file on your computer or external storage device.
2. Open the backup file and navigate to the location where your deleted Excel file was stored.
3. Copy the deleted file and paste it back to its original location on your computer.

5. Use File Recovery Software

If the above methods do not work, you can try using file recovery software to recover your deleted Excel file. There are many reliable file recovery tools available that can help you recover deleted files from your computer’s hard drive or external storage devices. To use file recovery software:

1. Download and install a reputable file recovery tool, such as Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
2. Run the software and select the location where your Excel file was stored.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to find your deleted file.
4. Preview the recovered files and select the Excel file you want to recover.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered file and click “Recover.”

In conclusion, recovering a deleted Excel file can be a challenging task, but with the right methods, you can get your data back. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to recover your deleted Excel file and restore your important data.