How to Find Deleted Excel File
Losing an important Excel file can be a frustrating experience, especially when it contains crucial data or information. Whether the file was accidentally deleted or the system encountered a technical glitch, finding a deleted Excel file can seem like an insurmountable task. However, with the right approach and tools, you can recover your lost file and get back to work. In this article, we will discuss various methods to help you find a deleted Excel file and restore it to its original state.
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The first and simplest step to find a deleted Excel file is to check the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file on your computer, it is often moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. To recover your Excel file from the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
2. Search for the deleted Excel file using the search bar at the top of the window.
3. Once you find the file, right-click on it and select “Restore.” This will move the file back to its original location on your computer.
2. Use the “Undo Delete” Command
If you recently deleted the Excel file and haven’t closed the application, you can use the “Undo Delete” command to recover it. Here’s how:
1. Open Excel and navigate to the deleted file’s location.
2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Open.”
3. If the file is still in the Recent Files list, click on it to open it.
4. If the file is not in the Recent Files list, click on “This PC” or “Computer” to browse your computer’s directories.
5. Navigate to the file’s original location and double-click on it.
6. If the file opens, you can save it to a new location to prevent future deletions.
3. Use File History
If you have enabled File History on your Windows computer, you can use it to recover previous versions of your Excel file. Here’s how:
1. Open the File Explorer and navigate to the location where the Excel file was stored.
2. Right-click on the folder containing the file and select “Restore previous versions.”
3. A list of available versions will appear. Double-click on the version you want to restore.
4. Navigate to the “Recover personal files” link and select the Excel file.
5. Click “Recover” to save the file to a new location.
4. Use a File Recovery Tool
If the above methods don’t work, you can use a file recovery tool to help you find the deleted Excel file. There are many free and paid file recovery tools available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. Here’s a general guide on how to use a file recovery tool:
1. Download and install a file recovery tool from a reputable source.
2. Run the tool and select the drive or folder where the Excel file was stored.
3. Start the scanning process, which may take some time depending on the size of the drive.
4. Once the scan is complete, navigate through the recovered files and locate your deleted Excel file.
5. Select the file and choose a new location to save it.
5. Contact a Professional
If you have exhausted all other options and still cannot find the deleted Excel file, it may be time to contact a professional data recovery service. These services have advanced tools and expertise to recover lost files from various storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, and USB flash drives. However, this option can be expensive, so it’s best to try the other methods first.
In conclusion, finding a deleted Excel file can be challenging, but with the right approach and tools, you can recover your lost data and get back to work. Remember to check the Recycle Bin, use the “Undo Delete” command, enable File History, use a file recovery tool, and contact a professional if necessary. With patience and persistence, you’ll likely be able to restore your deleted Excel file.
