How to Recover .XLS Files After a Corrupted OS Update

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

How to Recover .XLS Files After a Corrupted OS Update
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .XLS file?

An XLS file is a spreadsheet file created by Microsoft Excel or exported by another spreadsheet program, such as OpenOffice Calc or Apple Numbers. It contains one or more worksheets, which store and display data in a table format. XLS files may also store mathematical functions, charts, styles, and formatting.

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

There are several common causes for ".XLS" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".XLS" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer or storage devices.
  2. File corruption: ".XLS" files can become corrupted due to various reasons, such as improper shutdown of the computer, power failure, virus or malware infection, or software conflicts.
  3. Hardware failure: If the storage device where the ".XLS" files are stored (such as hard drive or USB drive) fails or becomes damaged, it can result in the loss or failure of the files.
  4. Software or application issues: Problems with the software or application used to create or open ".XLS" files can lead to file loss or failure. This can include software crashes, compatibility issues, or errors during file saving or opening.
  5. Operating system errors: Errors or glitches in the operating system can cause ".XLS" files to become inaccessible or lost.
  6. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or save changes to the wrong ".XLS" file, leading to data loss.
  7. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect ".XLS" files and cause them to become corrupted, damaged, or deleted.
  8. Natural disasters or physical damage: Events like floods, fires, or physical damage to storage devices can result in the loss of ".XLS" files.

To minimize the risk of ".XLS" file loss, it is recommended to regularly backup important files, use reliable antivirus software, avoid improper shutdowns, and maintain a healthy storage device.

How to recover lost ".XLS" 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 ".XLS" 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 ".XLS" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".XLS" 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 ".XLS" 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.
Download

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 ".XLS" 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 ".XLS" extension?

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

Programs that open ".XLS" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Excel 2019 Microsoft Excel 2019
Corel Quattro Pro X9 Corel Quattro Pro X9
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice
Kingsoft Spreadsheets Kingsoft Spreadsheets
Nuance OmniPage Ultimate Nuance OmniPage Ultimate
SoftMaker Office SoftMaker Office
Gnumeric Gnumeric
LibreOffice LibreOffice
Mac
Microsoft Excel 2019 Microsoft Excel 2019
Apple Numbers Apple Numbers
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice
Planamesa NeoOffice Planamesa NeoOffice
LibreOffice LibreOffice
Linux
Apache OpenOffice Apache OpenOffice
Gnumeric Gnumeric
LibreOffice LibreOffice
Web
Google Drive Google Drive
iOS
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel
Apple Numbers Apple Numbers
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro
Infraware Polaris Office Infraware Polaris Office
Google Drive Google Drive
Android
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel
Kingsoft WPS Office for Android Kingsoft WPS Office for Android
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro
Google Drive Google Drive
SoftMaker Office: PlanMaker Mobile SoftMaker Office: PlanMaker Mobile

Additional Information

  • File type: Excel Spreadsheet

  • File extension: .XLS

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Spreadsheet Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/vnd.ms-excel

  • HEX: D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 00

  • ASCII: РП.а...б

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  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:56 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .XLS 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

  • How can I create a .XLS backup file for my Excel spreadsheet?

    To create a .XLS backup file for your Excel spreadsheet, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open the Excel spreadsheet you want to create a backup for.
    2. Click on the "File" tab in the top-left corner of the Excel window.
    3. From the dropdown menu, select "Save As" or "Save a Copy" (depending on your Excel version).
    4. In the "Save As" dialog box, choose the location where you want to save the backup file.
    5. In the "File name" field, enter a new name for the backup file, preferably with a different extension to differentiate it from the original file (e.g., "OriginalFileName_Backup.xls").
    6. In the "Save as type" dropdown menu, select "Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls)" or "Excel 97-2004 Workbook (*.xls)" depending on your Excel version.
    7. Click the "Save" button to create the backup file.

    Once you have followed these steps, you will have successfully created a .XLS backup file for your Excel spreadsheet.

  • What are the advantages of using .XLS backup files over other backup formats?

    There are several advantages of using .XLS backup files over other backup formats:

    1. Compatibility: .XLS files are the default file format for Microsoft Excel, which is widely used in businesses and organizations. This format ensures compatibility across different versions of Excel, making it easy to access and restore data.
    2. Data Integrity: .XLS backup files preserve the original formatting, formulas, and calculations of the Excel spreadsheets. This ensures that the data remains intact and can be restored without any loss or corruption.
    3. Accessibility: Excel is a widely used application, and most users are familiar with its interface and functionality. This makes it easy for users to access and work with .XLS backup files, even if they are not familiar with specialized backup software.
    4. Flexibility: .XLS files can store multiple sheets and complex data structures within a single file. This allows for comprehensive backups of entire workbooks or specific sheets, providing flexibility in choosing what data to backup and restore.
    5. Automation: Excel provides various automation features, such as macros and scripts, which can be used to automate the backup process. This allows for scheduled or event-triggered backups, ensuring that data is regularly and automatically backed up without manual intervention.
    6. Analysis and Reporting: Excel is known for its powerful data analysis and reporting capabilities. By using .XLS backup files, users can easily analyze and report on the backed-up data, leveraging Excel's built-in functions and features.
    7. Portability: .XLS files can be easily transferred and shared across different platforms and devices. This makes it convenient to store and access backup files on various storage media or cloud services.
    8. Cost-effective: Since Excel is a widely available application, using .XLS backup files eliminates the need for specialized backup software or licenses. This can result in cost savings for individuals or organizations.

    Overall, the advantages of using .XLS backup files include compatibility, data integrity, accessibility, flexibility, automation, analysis capabilities, portability, and cost-effectiveness.

  • How can I restore a .XLS backup file and recover the data from my Excel spreadsheet?

    To restore a .XLS backup file and recover the data from your Excel spreadsheet, you can follow these steps:

    1. Locate the .XLS backup file: Search for the backup file on your computer or external storage device. It may have a different file name or be stored in a different location than the original .XLS file.
    2. Open Microsoft Excel: Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer.
    3. Go to the "File" tab: Click on the "File" tab in the top-left corner of the Excel window.
    4. Select "Open": From the drop-down menu, choose the "Open" option.
    5. Browse for the backup file: In the "Open" dialog box, navigate to the location where you saved the .XLS backup file.
    6. Select the backup file: Click on the .XLS backup file to select it.
    7. Click "Open": Press the "Open" button to open the backup file in Excel.
    8. Review the recovered data: Once the backup file is opened, review the recovered data in the Excel spreadsheet. Check if all the necessary information is present and intact.
    9. Save the recovered data: If the recovered data is accurate and complete, click on the "File" tab again, choose the "Save As" option, and save the recovered data in a new .XLS file or any other desired format.

    Note: If the backup file fails to restore or doesn't contain the desired data, you may need to consider alternative methods such as using specialized data recovery software or seeking professional assistance.
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