Step-by-Step Process for Recovering .XL Files from Corrupted Drives

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 .XL file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Step-by-Step Process for Recovering .XL Files from Corrupted Drives
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .XL file?

Alternative extension used for Excel spreadsheet files; contains data organized in rows and columns; can be exported from Excel as a text file, .CSV, or .TSV file.

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

There are several common causes of ".XL" (Excel) files being lost or facing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".XL" file while organizing their files or cleaning up their system.
  2. File corruption: Excel files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as power outages, system crashes, malware or virus attacks, or improper shutdown of the computer.
  3. Storage device failure: If the storage device where the ".XL" file is stored (such as a hard drive or USB drive) fails, it can lead to the loss or failure of the file.
  4. Software or application issues: Problems with the Excel software itself, such as bugs or compatibility issues, can cause ".XL" files to become inaccessible or fail to open.
  5. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or save changes to the wrong file, leading to the loss of the original ".XL" file.
  6. Unintended formatting: Incorrectly formatting a worksheet or cells within an ".XL" file can cause data loss or make the file unreadable.
  7. Network issues: If the ".XL" file is stored on a network drive or shared folder, network connectivity problems can result in the file being lost or inaccessible.
  8. Operating system updates: Sometimes, updates to the operating system can cause compatibility issues with Excel, leading to the failure of ".XL" files.

To prevent the loss or failure of ".XL" files, it is recommended to regularly back up important files, use reliable storage devices, keep software and applications up to date, and take precautions to avoid accidental deletion or overwriting of files.

How to recover lost ".XL" 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 ".XL" file may be deleted.

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🧺 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 ".XL" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".XL" 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 ".XL" 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.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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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 ".XL" 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 ".XL" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo excel Spreadsheet image file file?

Programs that open ".XL" files

Windows
Microsoft Excel 2019 Microsoft Excel 2019
Mac
Microsoft Excel 2019 Microsoft Excel 2019

Additional Information

  • File type: Excel Spreadsheet

  • File extension: .XL

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Spreadsheet Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:19 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .XL 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 the main features and advantages of using .XL formats in Microsoft Excel?

    The main features and advantages of using .XL formats in Microsoft Excel are:

    1. Compatibility: .XL formats are the default file format for Excel, ensuring compatibility across different versions of the software. This allows users to easily share and collaborate on Excel files without worrying about compatibility issues.
    2. Data organization: Excel provides a wide range of tools and features to organize and analyze data effectively. .XL formats preserve these features, including the ability to create tables, sort and filter data, create formulas and functions, and create charts and graphs.
    3. Data validation: .XL formats support data validation, which allows users to set rules and restrictions on data entry. This ensures that only valid and accurate data is entered into the spreadsheet, reducing errors and improving data integrity.
    4. Macros and automation: Excel allows users to create macros, which are automated sequences of commands that can be executed with a single click. .XL formats preserve these macros, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and save time.
    5. Customization: Excel offers a high level of customization, allowing users to personalize the appearance and functionality of their spreadsheets. .XL formats retain these customizations, including formatting, conditional formatting, and the use of themes and templates.
    6. PivotTables and PivotCharts: Excel's PivotTables and PivotCharts are powerful tools for analyzing and summarizing large amounts of data. .XL formats support these features, enabling users to create dynamic and interactive reports and visualizations.
    7. Data security: .XL formats support various security features, including password protection and encryption. This allows users to protect their sensitive data and ensure that only authorized individuals can access and modify the spreadsheet.
    8. Integration with other applications: Excel can be easily integrated with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and PowerPoint, as well as other data analysis tools. .XL formats facilitate seamless integration and data exchange between these applications.

    Overall, .XL formats in Microsoft Excel offer a comprehensive set of features and advantages that make it a versatile and powerful tool for data analysis, reporting, and decision-making.

  • How can I convert a file from a different format to .XL format in Excel?

    To convert a file from a different format to .xls format in Excel, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open Excel and go to the "File" tab in the top-left corner.
    2. Click on "Open" to browse and select the file you want to convert.
    3. In the "Open" dialog box, locate and select the file, then click on the "Open" button.
    4. Excel will attempt to open the file in its original format. If it is a compatible format, it will open successfully.
    5. Once the file is open, go to the "File" tab again and click on "Save As".
    6. In the "Save As" dialog box, choose the location where you want to save the converted file.
    7. In the "Save as type" dropdown menu, select "Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls)".
    8. Enter a new name for the file if desired, then click on the "Save" button.
    9. Excel will save the file in .xls format, converting it from the original format.

    Note: If the original file format is not compatible with Excel, you may encounter issues during the conversion process. In such cases, you may need to use a file conversion tool or software to convert the file to a compatible format before opening it in Excel.

  • Are there any limitations or compatibility issues when working with .XL formats across different versions of Microsoft Excel?

    Yes, there can be limitations and compatibility issues when working with .XL formats across different versions of Microsoft Excel.

    1. Features: Newer versions of Excel may have additional features or functions that are not available in older versions. If a file created in a newer version of Excel contains these features, they may not work properly or may be lost when opened in an older version.
    2. File Format: Excel uses different file formats for different versions. For example, Excel 2003 and earlier versions use .xls format, while Excel 2007 and later versions use .xlsx format. Older versions of Excel may not be able to open .xlsx files directly without a compatibility pack or conversion.
    3. Compatibility Mode: When opening a file created in a newer version of Excel in an older version, the file may open in compatibility mode. This mode disables some features and restricts functionality to ensure compatibility, potentially leading to loss of formatting or data.
    4. Macros and Add-ins: If a file contains macros or add-ins created in a newer version of Excel, they may not work or may require modification to function properly in older versions.
    5. Formulas and Functions: Some formulas or functions may behave differently or may not be available in older versions of Excel. This can result in incorrect calculations or loss of functionality when opening files created in newer versions.

    To ensure compatibility, it is recommended to save files in a compatible format (e.g., .xls for older versions) or use the "Save As" option to save files in a format that can be opened by the intended recipients. Additionally, testing files across different versions of Excel can help identify any compatibility issues before sharing them.
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