+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 10 of 10

Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    08-25-2019
    Location
    USA
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2011
    Posts
    4

    Post Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    Last saved version: aug 12, 19
    Using: Excel 2011
    Saved on: USB thumb drive
    Using MAC, but have access to old laptop with windows.

    Error I get: Excel cannot open the file 'filename.xlsx' because the file format or file extension is not valid. Verify that the file has not been corrupted and that the file extension matches the format of the file." It usually indicates the file is not compatible with the Excel version or the file has come corrupt or damaged

    We we reset our breaker the other day, I am guessing this might have caused this to happen.

    Questions:I only have the most current version saved on my USB (cant open/get the error message). I had many formulas set up inside.
    1. Does my USB create backups I cant see?
    2. What are the odds of this being able to be opened at all, in any format?

    Please help!

  2. #2
    Forum Moderator AliGW's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-10-2013
    Location
    Retired in Ipswich, Suffolk, but grew up in Sawley, Derbyshire (England)
    MS-Off Ver
    MS 365 Subscription Insider Beta Channel v. 2404 (Windows 11 22H2 64-bit)
    Posts
    80,410

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    Welcome to the forum.

    Using a USB flash drive as primary storage is, as you have now discovered, dangerous. No, USB drive contents are not backed up anywhere unless you have done it yourself.

    Did you try changing the file extension to .xls? If that doesn’t allow you to open it, then I am afraid you are probably stuffed.
    Ali


    Enthusiastic self-taught user of MS Excel who's always learning!
    Don't forget to say "thank you" in your thread to anyone who has offered you help.
    You can reward them by clicking on * Add Reputation below their user name on the left, if you wish.

    Forum Rules (updated August 2023): please read them here.

  3. #3
    Administrator FDibbins's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-29-2011
    Location
    Duncansville, PA USA
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 7/10/13/16/365 (PC ver 2310)
    Posts
    52,926

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    There are some software apps out there that may be able to recover files on a thumb drive. Cant think of the name of any right now, but I have used them before.
    1. Use code tags for VBA. [code] Your Code [/code] (or use the # button)
    2. If your question is resolved, mark it SOLVED using the thread tools
    3. Click on the star if you think someone helped you

    Regards
    Ford

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    08-25-2019
    Location
    USA
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2011
    Posts
    4

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    I know. I am so stupid! I can't believe I let myself do this without a recent backup saved. I did try to change to .XLS and I think everything showed up as Y's.

    I would do almost anything to not have to go back and recreate this. Thank you for your response.

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    08-25-2019
    Location
    USA
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2011
    Posts
    4

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    I have downloaded 2 without success. One of them is from a company that had me send the file to their lab, but I am not going put too much hope into as I have the feeling I am screwed. Thank you.

  6. #6
    Forum Moderator AliGW's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-10-2013
    Location
    Retired in Ipswich, Suffolk, but grew up in Sawley, Derbyshire (England)
    MS-Off Ver
    MS 365 Subscription Insider Beta Channel v. 2404 (Windows 11 22H2 64-bit)
    Posts
    80,410

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    If you are able to post the file here, someone could try for you.

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    08-25-2019
    Location
    USA
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2011
    Posts
    4

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    I dont want to post it public because it has sensitive financial information. I would rather have someone request the file to their email so that I can send.

  8. #8
    Forum Moderator AliGW's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-10-2013
    Location
    Retired in Ipswich, Suffolk, but grew up in Sawley, Derbyshire (England)
    MS-Off Ver
    MS 365 Subscription Insider Beta Channel v. 2404 (Windows 11 22H2 64-bit)
    Posts
    80,410

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    No - in that case you must not share it, even via E-mail - you don't know who any of us are!

    Oh, dear ... Do you not have any earlier version of this file at all?

  9. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    08-21-2019
    Location
    India
    MS-Off Ver
    latest
    Posts
    6

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    "Excel cannot open the file 'filename.xlsx' because the file format or file extension is not valid. Verify that the file has not been corrupted and that the file extension matches the format of the file." It usually indicates the file is not compatible with the Excel version or the file has come corrupt or damaged.

  10. #10
    Forum Moderator AliGW's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-10-2013
    Location
    Retired in Ipswich, Suffolk, but grew up in Sawley, Derbyshire (England)
    MS-Off Ver
    MS 365 Subscription Insider Beta Channel v. 2404 (Windows 11 22H2 64-bit)
    Posts
    80,410

    Re: Corrupt File/Can't open - no backup?

    RonPeters - if you had read the other posts in this thread, you would know that the OP is already aware of this.

+ Reply to Thread

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. [SOLVED] Cannot open the corrupt file.
    By bebo021999 in forum Excel General
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 05-15-2018, 05:16 AM
  2. [SOLVED] Close Acrobat from VBA if it tries to open a corrupt file
    By n_ant in forum Excel Programming / VBA / Macros
    Replies: 27
    Last Post: 05-06-2015, 02:34 PM
  3. Corrupt file. Fail to open using the workbooks.open method
    By Mortphi in forum Excel Programming / VBA / Macros
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-27-2013, 01:48 AM
  4. SaveCopyAs Runtime Error 1004 - save a backup without altering open file
    By kamelkid2 in forum Excel Programming / VBA / Macros
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-27-2013, 08:11 PM
  5. Replies: 6
    Last Post: 03-07-2012, 04:56 PM
  6. Auto open &cloesd with backup file
    By pichai in forum Excel Programming / VBA / Macros
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-27-2008, 09:15 AM
  7. Saving backup file on file open
    By AmyTaylor in forum Excel Programming / VBA / Macros
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 01-10-2006, 10:48 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 RC 1