I cannot re-open an xcel file

Question

I cannot re-open an xcel file

John Scott 25

My xcel file won't reopen. I used Hide for 3 columns then closed the file. Now I can't re-open the file.

John Scott 25 Reputation points

2025-01-21T03:30:01.1333333+00:00

My other xcel files still re-open. So I have locked this file somehow.

Answer accepted by question author

Emi Zhang-MSFT 30,206 Microsoft External Staff

Hi,

Did you get any error message when you try to re-open the file?

Where did save the file?

What kind of file format did you use?

How did you open the file?

Here are some possible solutions:

Right click the file- select Properties- select General tab, please check if the file is locked, you can select Unlock option to unlock the file.
Make sure that there are no errors in the file path and name.
Hold down the Ctrl key, then double-click the Excel icon to launch Excel's safe mode. Then try to open your file.
You can also try to repair Excel Workbook, in Excel, click File > Open, select your file, then click the Open arrow next to the button, select Open & Repair.

Please provide more information about your problem and I'm glad to help you.

If the response is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Emi Zhang-MSFT 30,206 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-01-23T09:37:36.0133333+00:00

Hi,

Just checking in to see if the information was helpful. Please let us know if you would like further assistance.

If the response is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
John Scott 25 Reputation points

2025-03-06T20:55:39.14+00:00

Thank you for your help! Sorry I took so long to thank you. Getting used to this helpful system.

1 additional answer

Your answer

John Scott 25 Reputation points

2025-01-21T03:30:01.1333333+00:00

My other xcel files still re-open. So I have locked this file somehow.
Emi Zhang-MSFT 30,206 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-01-23T09:37:36.0133333+00:00

Hi,

Just checking in to see if the information was helpful. Please let us know if you would like further assistance.

If the response is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
John Scott 25 Reputation points

2025-03-06T20:55:39.14+00:00

Thank you for your help! Sorry I took so long to thank you. Getting used to this helpful system.

Answer 1

Damian 0

Hey John,

Try to open the file in safe mode, or restore it from backup; this can help you reopen the file.

John Scott 25 Reputation points

2025-03-06T21:16:14.5433333+00:00

Thank you, just discovered your helpful answer and will keep it for next time. In the meantime I updated a file from my external HD which i had fortuitously used about that time.