Cannot open file...

[jcphoffman]

I have an excel file which I am trying to open. I use it many times every day, but now when I try to open it:
1. A small "Microsoft Excel" window appears saying "File error: data may have been lost".
2. When I click on "OK" (the only choice) the file continues trying to open and "[Group]" appears after the file name in the blue bar at the top of the excel window.
3. The "update automatic links" window appears (the file contains external links to 2 other workbooks).
4. Whether I click "Yes" or "No" to update links, it then continues to try opening, then brings up a "Program Error" window saying "EXCEL.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows. You will need to restart the program. An error log is being created."
5. That's it - can't even open the file to make any changes....can you help at all? Maybe figure otu a way to open it?

 

[manney]

There are several Excel file repair utilities available on the Internet (search for Excel File Repair). There are also companies who will do the repair for you and charge you on a per-case basis.

MS Access 2000 will sometimes be able to open an Excel workbook and get at the data, so will Word (oddly enough). Link to the spreadsheet under Excel, and open the file under "Recover text from any file" under Word.

Good luck. Back up your files daily!