[2020] Step by Step Guide to Recover Overwritten Excel File

Almost every computer owner has overwritten a file at some point. All it takes is 2 similar file names when you are saving your work. While the software will ask whether you are sure about overwriting the previous file, you may end up hitting the Enter button by mistake – before you know it, the original file will be gone.

1 Recover Overwritten Excel File from Temporary File

When you are working on a file, the Excel software creates a temporary file automatically. This acts as a backup. The temporary files are usually stored in a specific folder on your computer. Below, we will show you how to access the files:

Step 1: Open the File Explorer on your computer.

Step 2:

On Windows 7: Navigate to C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel (Word)\

On Windows 8/10: Navigate to C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles\

Step 3: You should see your Excel files. You can open the file or copy and paste it in your preferred location.

2 Recover Overwritten Excel File from the Previous Version

To use this solution, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Create a new Excel file with the same name as the overwritten file. Alternatively, find the current saved-over Excel file.

Step 2: Right-click on the Excel file and then choose Properties.

Step 3: Go to Previous Versions. Select the version you would like to get back and then hit Restore.

3 Recover Overwritten Excel File from Manage Document

In some instances, it is possible to get the Excel file back using the Excel software. To use this method, you will need to follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open Excel.

Step 2: Select File > Info > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Workbooks.

Step 3: Select the file you are interested in and then hit the Open button.

Step 4: In the bar that appears at the top of the page, select Save As to save the Excel file.

This method also works if your excel file is unsaved due to power failure or system shut down.

4 Ultimate Way to Recover Excel Files with AnyRecover

While the above solutions do work, there is no guarantee that they will offer you the results you are looking for. If the solutions fail to work, you should consider trying AnyRecover. Unlike solutions 1 to 3, AnyRecover supports all data loss situations. It will help you recover Excel files lost via deletion, formatting, damaged hard drive, lost partition, emptied recycle bin, virus/malware attack, OS crash/reinstallation, etc.

While AnyRecover is capable of recovering data lost via complicated situations, the tool is not complicated to use. Once you open the tool, all you will have to do is follow the steps that appear on the screen to recover your files.

How to Recover Excel Files Using AnyRecover

Step  1: Launch AnyRecover and select the location where you had stored the Excel file.

Step 2: Click “Start” menu, wait while AnyRecover locates the lost file(s).

Step 3: After the scan, the lost files will be displayed. Preview them and select the ones you would like to get back. To get the files back, hit the “Recover” button.

5 How to Avoid Losing Excel File Again

To avoid losing your documents, you can use the tips below:

• Before saving a document, double-check to ensure that its name does not match another document in the same location. If the names match, you will overwrite the old document.
• To make sure that viruses or malware do not corrupt your files, install an antivirus on your computer.
• Create a backup. You can store your important files on free cloud services such as Google Drive.
• Follow the right procedure to close the Excel software after using it. This will reduce the chances of the Excel files becoming corrupted.