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Technical Help & Discussion => Windows PCs & Software: Help, News & Discussion => Topic started by: Moreno on February 18, 2008, 10:11

Title: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Moreno on February 18, 2008, 10:11

Hi guys,


I am struggling once again.

I have an excel file on my usb memory stick and it is password protected. I have excel 2007 at home but I think excel 2003 at work. It has been opening fine, but today I get to work and try to open it and i get the error message "This file is not a recognizable format".

What can I do? I actually do need the file and need to recover it.

Any ideas?

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Rik on February 18, 2008, 10:20

Try opening it at home - it may be an Excel version issue.

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Moreno on February 18, 2008, 10:24

Yeh I tried that....its now saying the same there.  :(

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Rik on February 18, 2008, 10:30

Possibly the file has become corrupted - have you always used the 'Safely remove hardware' applet before unplugging?

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Moreno on February 18, 2008, 10:31

I can't say I always do..... :-\

Could it not be a problem with excel 2007 and 2003? I have seen a couple of bits online about it.

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Rik on February 18, 2008, 10:34

It certainly could be, but if it used to work, why has it stopped? Did you change anything other than data in the file? What happens if you copy the file to your HD?

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Moreno on February 18, 2008, 10:45

I didn't change anything other than the data. I have copied the file to my hard drive and it still does the same. Its driving me mad!  :crazy:

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Rik on February 18, 2008, 10:51

Do you have anything like QuickView Plus that you could use to examine the file?

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Moreno on February 18, 2008, 11:02

I don't...where would I get that from?

Title: Re: Unrecognizable format on Excel file
Post by: Rik on February 18, 2008, 12:18

http://www.avantstar.com/Products/Quick_View_Plus/G_QVP