Excel AutoRecover File Not Found: How to Fix It

If you're trying to recover a lost Excel file and see the message "AutoRecover file not found", it can be frustrating. This error usually appears when Excel tries to restore a file that was open during a crash or unexpected shutdown, but the recovery file isn't available. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it can save you from losing important data.

What Causes the "Excel AutoRecover File Not Found" Error?

The AutoRecover feature in Excel automatically saves temporary copies of your work at regular intervals. If Excel crashes or your computer shuts down unexpectedly, it may try to restore the last AutoRecover version. However, if the AutoRecover file is missing or corrupted, you'll see the "not found" error. This can happen due to:

• Incorrect Excel settings that disable AutoRecover
• Insufficient disk space preventing the file from being saved
• Corrupted or deleted AutoRecover files
• Antivirus software blocking the AutoRecover process

Solution 1: Quick Fix – Check for AutoRecover Files Manually

This is the fastest way to recover your file if the AutoRecover file still exists on your system.

1. Open Excel and go to the File menu.
2. Select Info and then click Manage Versions.
3. Look for any AutoRecover files in the list. If found, click Restore to recover the file.

If you don’t see any AutoRecover files, try the next solution.

Solution 2: More Thorough Approach – Locate and Recover AutoRecover Files

If the first solution didn’t work, you may need to manually search for the AutoRecover file on your computer.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following folder:
   • Windows 10/11: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel
   • Windows 7: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Office
2. Look for files with the .xlw extension. These are AutoRecover files.
3. Right-click the file and select Open With, then choose Microsoft Excel to open it.
4. If the file opens successfully, save it under a new name to prevent overwriting the original.

If you still can't find the file, move on to the advanced solution.

Solution 3: Advanced Method – Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool

If all else fails, consider using a reliable third-party tool designed to recover lost Excel files. One popular option is DataNumen Excel Recovery, which specializes in recovering damaged or corrupted Excel files.

1. Download and install a trusted Excel recovery tool like DataNumen Excel Recovery or Stellar Phoenix Excel Repair.
2. Launch the tool and select the Excel file you want to recover.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan and repair the file.
4. Once the recovery process is complete, save the repaired file to a safe location.

Always make sure the tool you choose is reputable and has good user reviews before proceeding.

Prevention Tips to Avoid This Issue in the Future

To reduce the chances of encountering this error again, follow these best practices:

• Enable AutoRecover by going to File > Options > Save and set the AutoRecover time interval to 5-10 minutes.
• Save your work frequently manually, especially before closing Excel or shutting down your computer.
• Keep your hard drive healthy by ensuring there's enough free space and running regular disk checks.
• Use cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive to automatically back up your Excel files.
• Disable unnecessary antivirus features that might interfere with Excel’s AutoRecover function.

Conclusion

The "Excel AutoRecover file not found" error can be stressful, but with the right steps, you can often recover your lost work. Start with the quick fix, then try manual file searches, and only use a third-party tool as a last resort. By following prevention tips, you can minimize the risk of this issue happening again. Always remember to save your work regularly and keep backups to protect against unexpected data loss.