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How to Fix the "Excel File Format or File Extension Is Not Valid" Error

Learn how to troubleshoot and repair the "Excel File Format or File Extension Is Not Valid" error caused by unsupported file formats or corruption. This guide covers methods like changing file formats, using Excel's "Open and Repair" feature, restoring previous versions, and managing file permissions. It also highlights tools for advanced recovery of corrupted files and best practices for preventing future issues.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the “Excel File Format or File Extension Is Not Valid” Error

Method 1: Change the File Format or Extension

1. Open Microsoft Excel: Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer.
2. Navigate to the File Section: Go to the “File” tab in the menu bar.
3. Change File Type:
   • Click on Export from the options.
   • Select Change File Type.
   • Choose a supported format like .xlsx.
4. Save the File: Save the file using the newly selected format.

Method 2: Use the “Open and Repair” Option

1. Open Microsoft Excel: Launch Excel and go to the “File” section.
2. Locate the Problematic File: Use the Browse option to find the file.
3. Select Open and Repair:
   • Select the file and click the dropdown next to the Open button.
   • Choose Open and Repair from the list.

Method 3: Recover Unsaved Workbooks

1. Go to the File Menu: Within Excel, navigate to the “File” section, then to “Info.”
2. Manage Workbooks:
   • Select Manage Versions.
   • Click on Recover Unsaved Workbooks.
3. Save Recovered File: Review any recovered files and save them to a secure location.

Method 4: Restore Previous File Version

1. Locate the File: Open File Explorer and find the problematic file.
2. Access Properties: Right-click on the file and select Properties.
3. Restore Older Version:
   • Go to the Previous Versions tab.
   • Select a version to restore and click OK.

Method 5: Edit Excel File Permissions

1. Right-Click the File: Select “Properties” from the context menu.
2. Access Security Settings: Go to the “Security” tab and click Edit.
3. Edit Permissions:
   • Add the Everyone group.
   • Assign all Allow permissions.
   • Click Apply and OK.

Method 6: Repair Excel File Using Stellar Repair for Excel

If the above methods don’t work, Stellar Repair for Excel is a powerful tool specifically designed to repair corrupt Excel files. It can be downloaded from here.

1. Download and Install: Install Stellar Repair for Excel on your system.
2. Select File: Use the software to locate the corrupt Excel file. Use Find if the location is unknown.
3. Repair the File: Click Repair and allow the process to finish.
4. Save Repaired File: Preview the repaired file and save it in a secure location.

Additional Tips

• Backup Regularly: Prevent data loss by saving copies of important files.
• Use Third-Party Tools: Tools like Wondershare Recoverit and MiniTool Power Data Recovery are great for recovering corrupt files.
• Check for Updates: Ensure Microsoft Excel is updated to its latest version to prevent compatibility issues.