.SLK File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .SLK file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

SLK File Recovery

What is a .SLK file?

An SLK file is a file saved in the Symbolic Link (SYLK) format created by Microsoft to transfer data between spreadsheet programs and other databases. It contains lines of text delimited by semi-colons that specify the cell row, column, formatting, and content. SLK files are stored in an ANSI text format.

What Are Common Causes of ".SLK" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".SLK" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may mistakenly delete ".SLK" files while trying to clean up their computer or remove unnecessary files.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or malware infections, can cause ".SLK" files to become corrupted or inaccessible.
  3. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware used to create or open ".SLK" files can lead to file loss or failure. This could include issues with spreadsheet software or storage devices.
  4. Power failure or system crash: Unexpected power outages or system crashes while working with ".SLK" files can result in data loss or file corruption.
  5. Virus or malware attacks: Viruses or malware can infect ".SLK" files and cause them to become corrupted or deleted.
  6. Improper file handling: Mishandling ".SLK" files, such as force closing the application without saving changes, can result in file loss or failure.
  7. Storage media issues: Problems with the storage media, such as a faulty hard drive or memory card, can lead to ".SLK" file loss or corruption.
  8. Human error: Accidental overwriting, formatting the wrong drive, or other human errors can cause ".SLK" files to be lost or fail.

It is always recommended to regularly back up important ".SLK" files to prevent data loss in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

How to recover lost ".SLK" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".SLK" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".SLK" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SLK" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".SLK" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".SLK" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".SLK" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo symbolic Link File image file file?

Programs that open ".SLK" files

Windows
Microsoft Excel 2019 Microsoft Excel 2019
Corel Quattro Pro X9 Corel Quattro Pro X9
LibreOffice LibreOffice
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice
Gnumeric Gnumeric
Mac
Microsoft Excel 2019 Microsoft Excel 2019
LibreOffice LibreOffice
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice
Gnumeric Gnumeric
Linux
LibreOffice LibreOffice
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice
Gnumeric Gnumeric
iOS
Office 700 Office 700
Android
AndrOpen Office AndrOpen Office

Additional Information

  • File type: Symbolic Link File

  • File extension: .SLK

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Data Files

  • Format: Text

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:26 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SLK files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common reasons for encountering problems when opening .SLK files?

    There can be several reasons for encountering problems when opening .SLK (Symbolic Link) files. Some common reasons include:

    1. Incorrect file association: If the .SLK file is not associated with the correct program, the operating system may not know how to open it. This can happen if the file association has been changed or if the required program is not installed.
    2. Corrupted file: If the .SLK file is corrupted or contains errors, it may not be possible to open it. This can occur due to issues during file transfer, storage, or if the file was created incorrectly.
    3. Outdated software: If the software used to open .SLK files is outdated, it may not support the file format or may have compatibility issues. Updating the software to the latest version can often resolve this problem.
    4. Missing dependencies: Some .SLK files may require specific dependencies or supporting files to be present on the system. If these dependencies are missing or not properly installed, it can cause problems when opening the file.
    5. File format compatibility: .SLK files are primarily used for exporting spreadsheet data, and they may not be compatible with all spreadsheet applications. If you are trying to open the .SLK file in a program that does not support this format, it may result in errors or the file may not open correctly.
    6. Security restrictions: In some cases, security settings or permissions on the system may prevent the file from being opened. This can happen if the file is located in a restricted folder or if the user account does not have sufficient privileges to access the file.
    7. File size limitations: Some spreadsheet applications have limitations on the maximum file size they can handle. If the .SLK file is too large, it may not open properly or may cause the application to crash.

    It is recommended to ensure that the necessary software is installed, update it to the latest version, and check for any file corruption or compatibility issues when encountering problems with .SLK files.

  • Are there any specific troubleshooting steps to follow when facing difficulties in opening .SLK files?

    Yes, there are certain troubleshooting steps you can follow when facing difficulties in opening .SLK files:

    1. Ensure you have the correct software: .SLK files are typically associated with Microsoft Excel. Make sure you have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer and it is up to date.
    2. Verify file extension: Check if the file extension is correctly labeled as .SLK. Sometimes, file extensions can be changed or corrupted. Right-click on the file, select "Properties," and confirm that the file extension is .SLK.
    3. Update software: Ensure that your Microsoft Excel software is updated to the latest version. Updates often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements.
    4. File compatibility: Check if the .SLK file you are trying to open is compatible with your version of Microsoft Excel. Older versions of Excel may have trouble opening files created in newer versions. Try opening the file on a different computer with a newer version of Excel.
    5. File integrity: Verify if the .SLK file is not corrupted. Try opening other .SLK files to see if the issue is specific to this particular file. If other .SLK files open fine, it might indicate that the file you are trying to open is damaged or corrupted.
    6. File conversion: If you are unable to open the .SLK file directly, you can try converting it to a different format like .XLS or .CSV. Open a blank Excel file, go to the "File" menu, select "Open," choose the .SLK file, and save it in a different format.
    7. Try alternative software: If none of the above steps work, you can try opening the .SLK file using alternative software that supports this file format. There are various spreadsheet applications available that can handle .SLK files.
    8. Contact support: If you have exhausted all troubleshooting steps and still cannot open the .SLK file, consider contacting Microsoft support or the software provider for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the issue, including any error messages you encounter.
  • Are there any alternative file formats or methods that can be used to overcome problems with opening .SLK files?

    Yes, there are alternative file formats and methods that can be used to overcome problems with opening .SLK files. Here are a few options:

    1. Convert the .SLK file to a different format: You can use a file conversion tool or software to convert the .SLK file to a more commonly supported format like .XLS or .CSV. Once converted, you should be able to open the file using spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
    2. Use a different spreadsheet software: If you're having trouble opening .SLK files with a particular spreadsheet software, try using a different software application. For example, if you're using Microsoft Excel and facing issues, you can try opening the .SLK file with LibreOffice Calc or Apache OpenOffice Calc.
    3. Open the .SLK file in a text editor: .SLK files are plain text files, so you can try opening them in a text editor like Notepad or TextEdit. While this won't provide the same functionality as a spreadsheet software, it will allow you to view the contents of the file and extract data if needed.
    4. Check for file corruption: Sometimes, issues with opening .SLK files may be due to file corruption. In such cases, you can try to repair the file using file repair tools specifically designed for spreadsheet files.
    5. Seek assistance from the file creator or sender: If you received the .SLK file from someone else, reach out to them and ask if they can provide the file in a different format that you can open easily. They may be able to export the data to a more compatible format for you.

    Remember to exercise caution when working with alternative file formats or methods, as they may not preserve all the features or functionality of the original .SLK file.

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