Why you may need it, just to feel yourself like a hacker and enjoy the force touch, spending a little bit of your precious time? Of course not, it is not a matter of presenting yourself, you should simply save precious data and money (how much money? It depends on circumstances). What do we have in our case: a file of MS Excel that is not accessible normally and a need to open it, because there is no any other copy of the document in question. What should you do? Any available person to call and pour out woes? There is no such a person. If you’re drowning, you’re on your own.
Looking further forward, I would tell that a free option to preview XLSX files helped me, it is supported by Recovery Toolbox for Excel https://excel.recoverytoolbox.com If you need to see data from a document that cannot be opened using any other option due to its damage, it is the fastest method. Alternatively, you can try to restore a document first and open it later with Microsoft Excel, but, most likely it will take more time. However, I did it, so let me try to explain, what was done, hopefully it will help you.
Trying to restore an XLSX file using in-built Excel options
Surprise! I have found that Microsoft already provided some methods of data recovery and you can try it right now, no need to download anything. Bad news: these methods are not really efficient (it is my personal opinion), but it’s worth trying. To try it, do these steps:
- Open MS Excel and go to the following menu: «File»-«Open»;
- Click the following button: «Browse» to find a document you need;
- Choose this option: «Open and recover», it is available by arrow near this one: «Open».
I think it is not available for all Excel versions, I do not remember for sure… Always use the latest software versions *as advertising* and be happy.
Let us now check Recovery Toolbox for Excel
I have already told about the most important thing – the option of XLSX file preview, it is free and does not ask to register or attend special trainings. Moreover, it works with any XLSX file and it does not matter if you are using the latest Excel versions or not. The application works under ОС Windows only, but you are not required to install MS Excel at all. Analysis and preview of MS Excel documents is performed by Recovery Toolbox for Excel. To start its usage, just need your decision, the setup file is shared on the developer’s website, it is distributed without restrictions. It is also important to say about the software compatibility with any version of Windows and MS Excel. Here is a brief instruction about what should you do:
- In the very beginning, need to get the utility, it can be done using the link: https://excel.recoverytoolbox.com
- Install Recovery Toolbox for Excel, it can be done by an ordinary double click;
- During the installation, the software creates a shortcut, use it to start;
- Choose a file of Microsoft Excel format, its version does not matter;
- Click the button «Next» to analyze the selected document;
- At the final stage, it displays the contents of selected file.
That is all. As the developer promised, in the very end you can preview XLSX file contents that was previously selected. Preview of Excel document is performed from within Recovery Toolbox for Excel, without using Microsoft Excel. Of course, it limits visualization capabilities, for example, it does not execute macros. Therefore, you may think to register the program.
Why you may need it?
In case the MS Excel file that you are trying to open is undamaged, most likely it does not make sense. Better try to find a computer having Excel installed, to open it and convert, for example, to PDF, so it is openable on any device. But if the document is unopenable normally, you definitely need Recovery Toolbox for Excel. Besides the free option of content preview from damaged XLSX files, the program can convert them to new files, easily openable by Excel. But, the program should be registered for this purpose, the last option is paid.
After registration, Recovery Toolbox for Excel allows opening damaged XLSX files and save recovered data for the unlimited quantity of documents. When working, the program uses only local resources, no any data is forwarded to other servers. Considering the program compatibility with any Windows version, the utility can be deployed on virtually any computer, working under this operating system. It will work even on too old computers without the loss of efficiency. I believe it is the most secured option to open corrupted XLSX files and restore data, if you do not have a backup and other options do not help. But what if you do not have a computer running ОС Windows, just have an Android tablet, for example?
Opening XLSX files on any device
Working with other devices is also possible. Sure that you cannot install the software named Recovery Toolbox for Excel, it is developed for Windows only. But, the developer offers the online platform to upload files from any device. Long time ago, Microsoft adapted its office either for iOS, or for Android, therefore you may work with Excel documents on any mobile device. In the same time, it is true only for those files that can be opened normally. In case an XLSX file is damaged, it is not openable, you will have to recover it with Recovery Toolbox for Excel.
How safe is it?
I believe the service is pretty safe. You may be confused that the input document is uploaded somewhere else for analysis, but all information is sent encrypted, no need to worry. Moreover, it is cheaper to order the online recovery service than installing its full version. Using the online version of Recovery Toolbox for Excel looks like this:
- Follow https://excel.recoverytoolbox.com/online/
- Press «Select file» and provide the needed XSLX document path
- Provide your correct email address
- Enter the CAPTCHA code
- Proceed to the following step by using the «Next» button
- Make a payment for the XLSX restoration
- Get the recovered XLSX from the service
If the procedure is unsuccessful, the payment is not taken. In this case, try another option. If everything goes fine, you may try working with the restored XLSX file normally and open it on any device. Unfortunately, there is no any free online platform to preview MS Excel documents. If you want to «preview only» – try to find a computer with Windows and install Recovery Toolbox for Excel there. Anyway, you have a good chance to avoid it: just make a backup of the most important files, the loss of which can cause a lot of pain for you.