Businesses use Excel to create spreadsheets and efficiently process large amounts of data. However, files containing large amounts of data, formulas, charts, macros, etc., tend to get corrupted. Excel file corruption can interrupt business operations.
The best possible way to prevent such scenarios is to use an online Excel file repair software. You can also use it to recover data, objects and formulae from it. Read further to learn how you can use such a tool to repair a corrupted Excel file via web browser.
What Causes Excel File Corruption?
There are multiple reasons behind Excel file corruption. Some of these are listed below:
- Unexpected power cuts or outages
- Sudden system or application crash
- Conflicting third-party add-ins installed in Excel
- Improper file transfer from one device to another
- Abrupt shutdown of the computer
- Hardware issues, such as bad sectors on the hard drive
- A malware or virus attack on the system
- Inherited an Excel file from an external source containing bad links and references
Methods to Fix Corrupted Excel Files Online
Here are some ways that can help you fix problematic Excel files online and access their data:
Method 1: Upload Excel file on Office Online
Sometimes minor instances of corruption or bugs can prevent you from opening an Excel workbook. If you have a corrupted Excel file that is not opening, try to open it using Excel Online. Excel Online runs via Microsoft 365 (M365). Follow the steps below:
- Open a web browser on your PC and open Excel Online.
- Click on Upload to upload the problematic file.
If you are able to open the file, save it on the desktop.
Method 2: Open Excel file Using Google Sheets
Another method to fix a corrupted Excel file online is by opening it using Google Sheets. You can try to upload the problematic Excel file in Google Sheets to open it. If the Excel file is corrupted, you can use this method to recover the data on the problematic file.
Method 3: How to Recover Data from a Corrupted Excel File Using an Online Tool?
An effective way to repair Excel file online is by using a free Excel repair tool. Such a powerful online utility that quickly repairs broken or damaged Excel workbooks without any challenges. It is an effective tool that can convert both XLSX and XLSM file formats, in a matter of a few clicks.
Here are the steps to use this tool to repair Excel files online for free:
- Open the Stellar Free Online Excel Repair tool in your web browser.
- Click on Upload File.
- It will prompt you to log in or sign up to proceed.
- Enter the credentials to log in or sign up on the tool.
- Again, click on Upload File.
- The tool’s dashboard screen will appear. Click on Upload File. The tool will automatically upload the selected Excel file.
- Once the file is uploaded, click on Start Repair.
- The online utility will analyze the uploaded file.
- Once it is done analyzing the corrupted Excel file, it will automatically start the file repair process.
- After the tool has finished repairing the file, click on the Download Excel File button.
- The utility will save the repaired Excel file as a .zip file on your PC.
- Extract the repaired Excel file and open it.
Advantages of using an Online Excel File Repair Tool
Here are some advantages of using an online Excel repair tool:
- It is easy to use and requires no expertise.
- The tool is convenient as it allows users to repair their Excel files without the need for downloading and installing a separate software.
- It is fast and takes less time to repair corrupted Excel files.
- It offers quick resolutions while keeping the data intact. This ensures accuracy during file repair.
Tips to Prevent Data Loss due to Excel File Corruption
Any damage to Excel files could render them unusable or, worse, result in data loss. Hence, to prevent data loss from Excel file corruption, you can follow the tips mentioned below:
- Regularly save the Excel file after making changes to it. Also, keep the AutoSave option enabled.
- UPS should be used with your desktop. It prevents abrupt system shutdown and gives additional time to save the file and properly close it.
- Data backups come in handy. Use the 3-2-1 backup strategy to prevent unwanted data loss.
- Install a reliable antivirus on your system and keep it updated.
Conclusion
Online Excel file repair tools like Stellar Online Free Excel Repair are effective in repairing corrupted or damaged Excel files. They are fast, easy to use, and, most importantly, free. Hence, they stand as the ideal choice for many users, especially students. In most scenarios, you should be able to repair a corrupted Excel file online without any hiccups. But, you can also rely on a desktop version of an Excel repair tool as they work offline and offer enhanced functionalities that are capable of supporting less common Excel file types like .xls, .csv, xltx, and more.
