The 4 Best Tools for XLS File Repair

Are you also having problems opening XLS files? That would be frustrating. We use spreadsheets to organize and track important data, such as budgets, schedules, project progress, and more. Losing access to these files can affect how you make important decisions. That said, finding a way to fix the files is necessary. In this article, we will introduce the top 4 XLS file repair tools. Learn how to use them and how they compare against each other.

Part 1. Why Do You Need an XLS Repair Tool?

The problem is that XLS files are digital files, so they are not safe from corruption. When that happens, you will lose your access to the data you organized. You can choose to rebuild the file from scratch, but that would be time-consuming. You will have to spend a lot of time collecting updated data and making sure they are accurate. Then, more time would be spent on data entry.

That shows the importance of XLS repair software. You can use them to fix corrupted XLS files, so you don't have to recreate them. Also, keep in mind that file corruption is unpredictable. It can happen anytime, so you can't really prepare for it except by regularly creating backups. Thus, knowing what tools you can turn to when it happens is a must.

Before we discuss the best tools, let's dive into the most common causes of XLS corruption:

• A power interruption occurred while you were working on or saving the spreadsheet, causing a system crash.
• You were downloading the XLS file but it got interrupted by a system crash or connection loss.
• The drive where the XLS file is stored becomes faulty.
• The XLS file becomes corrupted because you downloaded malicious software containing a virus.
• Your XLS file has become too large and is now causing issues.

Part 2. XLS File Repair Using Excel Open and Repair Method

Microsoft Excel has a built-in file repair tool that you can use before trying third-party apps. It is worth trying since it is fast, free, and quite reliable. Also, it will let you save time. However, please note that this feature may not be able to fix severely corrupted XLS files. The good news is that if that's the case, it will allow you to extract the data from the workbook. You can use that to create a new, accurate XLS file. Still, you may want to try third-party options first before doing that.

Here's how to use this built-in recovery tool:

1. Open MS Excel and click Open. Click on Browse.

   

2. Find the corrupted XLS file. Click the dropdown menu for Open and select Open and Repair.

   

3. On the dialogue box, select Repair.
4. If the repair tool did not work, select Extract Data instead.

   

Part 3. Top 4 XLS Repair Software

Suppose the Open and Repair feature did not work. We recommend trying alternative tools first before proceeding with the Extract Data route. If you could find a tool that works, the workload is much lighter compared to if you have to recreate the workbook with the extracted data. Here are the best tools you should try:

1. Repairit File Repair

Repairit File Repair is one of the most advanced XLS repair tools or file repair tools in general. It uses modern algorithms that enhance the chances of successful recovery. Furthermore, the tool is easy to use. With only 3 steps, you can recover your corrupted XLS file.

Wondershare Repairit - File Repair

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• Repair damaged Excel files with all levels of corruption, including blank files, files not opening, unrecognizable format, unreadable content, files layout changed, etc.

• Repairs all kinds of data stored in damaged Excel files such as tables, charts, formulas, comments, images, etc.

• Support all formats of Excel files: XLSX/XLSM/XLTX/XLTM/XLS

• Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.

• No limit to the number and size of the repairable files.

• Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.12~macOS 15.

• Except Excel, Repairit also supports all formats of PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ZIP, and Adobe files.

Pros

✅ Fixes All Excel Corruption Errors. Repair issues like unreadable content, unrecognizable formats, and more.

✅ Batch Repair Support. Repair multiple .xlsx files simultaneously in one process.

✅ Wide Compatibility. Supports Microsoft Excel 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and Office 365.

✅ No File Limits. No restrictions on the number or size of files for repair.

✅ Safe and Quick Recovery. Ensures data integrity while fixing corrupted files.

Cons

❌Some Features Require a Subscription. If you need to repair larger files and access unlimited repair, you might need to subscribe.

Follow these steps to use Repairit File Repair:

Step 1: Click "+Add" to submit the corrupted XLS file. You can submit many corrupt XLS files at once to Repairit.

Step 2: Click "Repair" to start. You are able to observe how Repairit resolves corrupted XLS files.

Step 3: To view the results, select "Preview" next to any file icon. If all is okay, click "Save" to save the updated Excel file to your Windows machine.

2. Recovery Toolbox for Excel

Recovery Toolbox is a handy tool for fixing smaller or less complicated XLS files quickly. It works well for minor file corruption issues, making it a good choice if you need a simple and fast solution. This online tool can repair damaged XLS files without requiring any software installation. Whether your file won’t open or some data appears missing, it can help restore the information efficiently. If you're looking for an easy-to-use online tool to fix corrupted XLS files, Recovery Toolbox is worth considering.

Pros

✅ Easy to Use. No technical skills are required; just open the file and start the recovery process.

✅ Optimized for Maximum Performance. No need for additional settings; the tool is designed for efficient data recovery.

✅ Works on Any PC. Compatible with any workstation supporting the PC platform.

✅ Supports Multiple Excel Formats. Can recover data from various Microsoft Excel file types.

✅ Free Evaluation Available. Users can test the tool before purchasing.

Cons

❌ Limited to Microsoft Excel Files. Cannot recover data from other file types.

❌ Requires a Working File System. If the source media is damaged or inaccessible, the tool cannot help.

❌ No Advanced Recovery Settings. Users cannot tweak settings to enhance recovery for specific corruption issues.

3. Stellar Repair for Excel

If you often deal with large XLS files, Stellar Repair for Excel is a great choice for fixing corruption issues. It allows you to repair multiple files at once with its batch recovery feature. This makes it especially useful for professionals who work with large amounts of data regularly. Its advanced repair feature makes it a reliable option for handling complex Excel file issues.

Pros

✅ Repairs Large-Sized Excel Files. Can fix corruption in XLS files of any size without limitations.

✅ Fixes All Excel Corruption Errors. Resolves issues like unreadable content, unrecognizable format, and invalid Image names.

✅ Batch Repair Support. Allows multiple Excel files to be repaired at once, saving time.

✅ Preview Before Saving. Provides a preview of the repaired file, including all objects and formatting, before saving.

Cons

❌ Subscription Required. Some features and full file recovery require a paid version.

4. AIRepair

AIRepair is a strong tool for fixing severely damaged XLS files and works with different file types. It runs on both Windows and Mac, allowing you to restore corrupted files from various devices. Whether your XLS file is partially damaged or completely unreadable, this software helps recover lost data efficiently. It offers both a free version for basic repairs and premium options for advanced recovery. With its simple interface and batch repair support, AIRepair is a great choice for users who need to fix multiple spreadsheets at once.

Pros

✅ Repairs Severely Damaged XLS Files. Can restore even highly corrupted Excel files.

✅ Compatible with Windows & Mac. Runs on both operating systems for greater flexibility.

✅ Free Version Available. Basic repairs can be done without purchasing a license.

✅ Batch Repair Support. Allows multiple XLS files to be fixed at the same time, saving time.

Cons

❌ Advanced Features Require a Subscription. Full recovery options are locked behind a paid version.

❌ Limited Free Version. The free version only offers basic repairs and may not be sufficient for complex corruption.

Conclusion

XLS file corruption is a real trouble, especially when you rely on spreadsheets for important tasks. Fortunately, there are effective XLS file repair tools that can restore your data and prevent the need to rebuild files from scratch. Choosing the right XLS repair tool depends on the file size, level of corruption, and additional features you need. And lastly, keeping a reliable recovery tool on hand ensures you’re prepared for unexpected file corruption issues.