How to recover deleted Excel information in OneDrive
Losing important Excel files can be a frustrating experience, especially when they are stored in OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, system errors, or other unforeseen circumstances, it’s crucial to know how to recover deleted Excel information in OneDrive. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to restore your deleted Excel files and ensure that your data is safe and sound.
1. Check the Deleted Items Folder
The first step in recovering deleted Excel information in OneDrive is to check the Deleted Items folder. When you delete a file from OneDrive, it is moved to the Deleted Items folder, where it remains for a certain period before being permanently deleted. To access the Deleted Items folder:
1. Sign in to your OneDrive account on the web.
2. Click on the “Deleted Items” folder on the left-hand side menu.
3. Look for your deleted Excel file and click on it.
4. Click the “Restore” button to recover the file to its original location.
2. Use the OneDrive Recovery Option
If the deleted Excel file is not in the Deleted Items folder, you can use the OneDrive recovery option to restore it. This feature allows you to recover deleted files from OneDrive for up to 30 days after deletion. To use the OneDrive recovery option:
1. Sign in to your OneDrive account on the web.
2. Go to the “Shared with me” or “Recent” section to find the deleted Excel file.
3. Click on the “Recover” button next to the file name.
4. Follow the prompts to restore the file to its original location.
3. Restore from OneDrive Backup
If the deleted Excel file is older than 30 days or if you have emptied the Deleted Items folder, you can still recover it by restoring from a OneDrive backup. To do this:
1. Sign in to your OneDrive account on the web.
2. Click on the “Settings” gear icon in the upper-right corner and select “Backup.”
3. Go to the “Backup” tab and click on “Restore files.”
4. Choose the date and time of the backup that contains the deleted Excel file.
5. Click “Restore” to recover the file to its original location.
4. Use a Third-Party Data Recovery Tool
If the above methods do not work, you can try using a third-party data recovery tool to recover deleted Excel information in OneDrive. These tools are designed to scan your OneDrive account for deleted files and restore them to their original location. Some popular data recovery tools include:
– Recuva
– EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
– Disk Drill
Before using a third-party tool, make sure to download and install it on a computer that is not connected to OneDrive. This will prevent the tool from overwriting the deleted files and making them irrecoverable.
5. Prevent Future Data Loss
To avoid losing Excel information in OneDrive in the future, it’s essential to implement good data management practices. Here are some tips to help you prevent future data loss:
– Regularly back up your OneDrive files to an external drive or another cloud storage service.
– Use version control to keep track of changes to your Excel files.
– Enable file recovery options in OneDrive settings.
– Keep your OneDrive account secure by using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
By following these steps and best practices, you can recover deleted Excel information in OneDrive and ensure that your data remains safe and accessible.
