The Most Common Causes of .XLSM File Deletion and How to Fix Them

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

The Most Common Causes of .XLSM File Deletion and How to Fix Them
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What is a .XLSM file?

An XLSM file is a macro-enabled spreadsheet created by Microsoft Excel, a widely used spreadsheet program that comes with every edition of the Microsoft Office suite. It contains worksheets of cells arranged by rows and columns as well as embedded macros programmed in the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) language. XLSM files are saved in the Open XML format introduced in Microsoft Office 2007.

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

There can be several common causes for ".XLSM" file loss or failure. Some of them include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".XLSM" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer or storage devices.
  2. File corruption: ".XLSM" files can get corrupted due to various reasons, such as sudden power outages, system crashes, or improper shutdown of the computer while the file is in use.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Viruses or malware can infect ".XLSM" files, leading to their corruption or loss. This can happen when users download infected files or open attachments from suspicious emails.
  4. Hardware failure: If the storage device where the ".XLSM" files are stored (such as a hard drive or USB drive) fails or becomes damaged, it can result in the loss of the files.
  5. Software issues: Problems with the software used to open or edit ".XLSM" files can cause file failure. This can include issues with the spreadsheet software itself or conflicts with other installed software.
  6. Human error: Accidental overwriting, saving changes in the wrong file, or improper handling of ".XLSM" files can lead to their loss or failure.
  7. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as disk errors or file system corruption, can cause ".XLSM" files to become inaccessible or get lost.
  8. Operating system upgrade or reinstallation: During an operating system upgrade or reinstallation, there is a risk of data loss if the ".XLSM" files are not properly backed up or transferred to a safe location.

It is always recommended to regularly backup important ".XLSM" files and use reliable antivirus software to minimize the risk of file loss or failure.

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

Use programs for recovering ".XLSM" 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 ".XLSM" 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 ".XLSM" 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 ".XLSM" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet image file file?

Programs that open ".XLSM" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Excel 2019 Microsoft Excel 2019
Microsoft Access 2019 Microsoft Access 2019
Corel Quattro Pro X9 Corel Quattro Pro X9
Mac
Microsoft Excel 2019 Microsoft Excel 2019
Web
Google Drive Google Drive
iOS
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro
Android
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro

Additional Information

  • File type: Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet

  • File extension: .XLSM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Spreadsheet Files

  • Format: Zip

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:33 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .XLSM 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 is the purpose of the .XLSM format in Microsoft Excel?

    The .XLSM format in Microsoft Excel is used to save spreadsheets that contain macros. Macros are sets of instructions or commands that automate repetitive tasks in Excel. By saving a spreadsheet in the .XLSM format, the macros are preserved, allowing users to execute them and automate various actions within the spreadsheet. This format is particularly useful for creating complex and interactive Excel applications, as macros can be used to perform calculations, manipulate data, create custom functions, and automate various other tasks.

  • How does the .XLSM format differ from other Excel file formats such as .XLSX or .CSV?

    The .XLSM format is a file format used by Microsoft Excel for files that contain macros. Macros are sets of instructions or commands that automate tasks in Excel. The main difference between .XLSM and other Excel file formats such as .XLSX or .CSV is the presence of macros.

    .XLSX is the default file format for Excel and does not support macros. It is a binary file format based on the Office Open XML standard, which organizes data in a structured manner. .XLSX files can store worksheets, charts, formulas, and other data, but macros are not supported.

    .CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a plain text file format that stores tabular data. It uses commas to separate values in each row and newline characters to separate rows. .CSV files do not support any formatting, formulas, or macros. They are commonly used for data exchange between different applications or for simple data storage.

    In contrast, .XLSM files can store macros along with other Excel data. Macros are written in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) programming language and can be used to automate tasks, perform calculations, or create custom functions. .XLSM files can also contain worksheets, charts, formulas, and other data like .XLSX files, but they have the added capability of executing macros.

  • Are there any limitations or compatibility issues associated with using .XLSM formats in different versions of Excel or other spreadsheet software?

    Yes, there can be limitations and compatibility issues associated with using .XLSM formats in different versions of Excel or other spreadsheet software. Here are a few potential issues:

    1. Compatibility between different versions of Excel: Features and functions used in .XLSM files may not be available or supported in older versions of Excel. For example, if you create a .XLSM file in Excel 2016 that uses a specific function introduced in that version, it may not work properly or display correctly in Excel 2010 or earlier versions.
    2. Compatibility with other spreadsheet software: .XLSM files may not be fully compatible with other spreadsheet software such as Google Sheets or LibreOffice Calc. While these software may support opening .XLSM files, certain macros or VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code used in the file may not function correctly or be supported.
    3. Security concerns: .XLSM files can contain macros or VBA code, which can potentially be used to execute malicious actions. As a security measure, some spreadsheet software or organizations may disable macros by default or require explicit permission to enable them. This can limit the functionality of .XLSM files if macros are an integral part of their design.
    4. File size limitations: Some older versions of Excel or other spreadsheet software may have limitations on the maximum file size they can handle. If a .XLSM file exceeds these limitations, it may not open or function properly.

    To ensure compatibility and minimize issues, it is recommended to use the most recent version of Excel or other spreadsheet software, avoid using advanced features that may not be supported in older versions, and test the file in different software environments if compatibility with other spreadsheet software is required.
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