Microsoft Excel is an important tool for many people in their learning efforts and expertise. A regular challenge that users encounter is the error message “Excel cannot open the file because the file format or file extension is not valid”. This problem usually arises when trying to open an excel file, effective as a barrier that prevents access to important data files.
In this article, we will go into the meaning of this error message and most importantly the solution to regain access to your important data. Whether the incident is formatting or Excel file extension is not valid or unable to open the Excel file due to failure, rest assured, there will be solutions for your case.
Solution 1: Check the extension of the spreadsheet file
The first step to solve the problem “Excel file format or file extension is not valid“It is to verify that the file extension corresponds to the actual file format. Typically, the spreadsheets are created in Excel 2007 or newer versions used .XLSX as the file extension, while the older versions use. The incorrect file extension can make Excel not recognize the file is valid.
1. Click Windows + E To open the Explorer file. Navigate to the tab View and guarantee the box File name extensions Selected.

2. Right -click on the Excel file problem and select Rename.

3. Try changing the exact extension file extension, if any. In addition, you can use online file conversion services, where you upload the file and select the desired output format.
Solution 2: Fix the broken excel file
If you still see an error message, your Excel file may be broken. In such cases, 4DDig file repair can be a useful tool. This user -friendly software has the ability to solve a variety of files, including Excel documents that cannot be opened or displayed empty content. In addition, 4DDIG files repair supports other file formats such as Word, PowerPoint and PDF.
Here's how to fix the problem “Excel file format or file extension is not valid” using 4DDIG file Repair file:
1. Install and launch 4DDIG file Repair on Windows or Mac. Access feature Repair file From the left bar, then click Add file (s) To upload your broken excel documents.

2. Click on Start Repair To start the repair process. 4DDIG Repair file will analyze and try to fix all problems in your file.

3. After repair, review the file content to confirm their integrity. Then use the option Export or Export Selected To save the repaired excel files into your computer.

Solution 3: Modify the rights for files
Another way to solve the problem “Excel cannot open the file”Make sure you have the necessary rights for the file. This is how you can check and amend your rights:
1. Right click on the file you cannot access and select Properties.

2. Go to the tab Securitythen click the button Edit.

3. In the section Group or user namesselect your user account and then give it Full Control.

4. Click on Apply> ok To confirm and save your changes.
Solution 4: Use Open and Repair feature
To edit the error of Excel error, you can use the Open and Repair feature, a tool available in Microsoft Excel. Although useful, note that it may not work for serious broken files. Here's how to use this feature to solve the problem “Excel file Extension not valid“:
1. Open Microsoft Excel and move to the tab File. Then select Open> Browse.

2. Find and select the problem with problems.
3. Instead of clicking directly on OpenClick on the small arrow next to and choose Open and Repair From the menu.

4. Click on Repair To start the repair process.

Solution 5: Restoring the previous version by History file
If the error “Excel file Extension not valid“Still continuously, consider restoring the previous version of the file. However, note that this can lead to recent content loss. This is how to do it:
1. Right -click on the spreadsheet and select Properties From context menu.
2. Navigation to the tab Previous version. If the History file is turned on first, you will see the list of previous versions of the file.

3. Select the version you want to recover and click Restore.
Solution 6: Unrelated workbook recovery
Another method involves using Excel's built -in features to restore all the previous versions of your Workbook.
1. Open MS Excel and go to File> info In the top left corner of the window.
2. Select Manage Workbook> Recover Unsaved Workbook.

3. From the list of files displayed, open the file that cannot be accessed and then save it.
Solution 7: Open MS Excel at Safe Mode
Problem solving “Excel cannot open Because the file format is not valid“Sometimes it can simply start your computer into Safe Mode. This is especially effective when Excel conflicts with specific drivers or third -party software. This is how to go to Safe Mode:
1. Click Windows + R On the keyboard and enter Excel/Safe Go to the dialog box Tremble.

2. Open Microsoft Excel at Safe Mode, click on File> Options.
3. In the menu Optionsmove to the part Add-Ins. Then select Com add-igns and click Go.

4. Select one of the add-in from the list and click OK.
Solution 8: Turn off the Protected View feature
Error “Excel cannot open the file“It can also come from the Protected View feature on Excel, not just an invalid file tail or broken file. To turn off this feature, follow these steps:
1. Open MS Excel, click on File In the top left corner, then choose Options At the end of the left bar.

2. Click the button Trust Center Settings.

3. In Trust Center, select Protected View From the left bar. Select all three options and save changes.
