Excel Troubleshooting: "unable to read file" error

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Introduction

The “unable to read file” error often troubles Microsoft Excel and its users. However, spotting this error and fixing it are equally easy; that is, after you’ve identified the cause of the error. Let’s have a look at the possible reasons for this error and the methods to resolve it.

Root cause

The “unable to read file” error can occur due to the following reasons:

  • Due to Antivirus: The antivirus software running on your network may have scanned some of your Excel files and replaced their header. Sometimes, additional text is added between the “Content-Type” and “Content-Location” sections of the header that makes it unrecognizable. Thus the file is not read when opened by Microsoft Excel.
  • Corrupted File: The file may’ve been corrupted due to a virus on your device or network. Files downloaded from insecure sources can also be corrupted.
  • Incompatibility with Version: The file is not compatible with the Excel version you are using. Excel 2003 and earlier version save files with XLS extension, whereas Excel 2007 and later (like the Excel 2010, Excel 2013, and Excel 2016) save files in XLSX format by default. 

Resolution

Here are some of the easiest methods that you can use to fix this error:

Disable the anti-virus software

Try disabling your anti-virus software for a few minutes and check if the error disappears. As already mentioned, if an anti-virus program is running on your network, it may trigger this error. If this doesn’t help, proceed to the next fix.

Excel’s inbuilt ‘Open and Repair’ feature

If the error is arising due to a damaged excel file, here’s what you can do. Excel provides a feature called ‘Open and Repair’ which you can use to recover your corrupted or damaged file. Follow the steps mentioned below to recover your damaged file using this feature:

  • Open the Excel Application
  • Go to ‘File’ and Select ‘Open’ option
  • Select the corrupt file by single-clicking it and then from the drop down beside the Open button, choose ‘Open and Repair.’
  • Click on Repair to start repairing

You may also like this: Open and Repair doesn't work

Change the file type

The error might be due to conflicting file extensions. There are two formats to save Excel files– XLS or XLSX. Excel 2003 and earlier version save files as XLS, whereas Excel 2007 and later versions save files in XLSX file format. You can change the default format by using the following steps:

  • In Excel 2007; click the ‘Microsoft Office’ button, and then ‘Excel Options.’ In Excel 2016, Excel 2013, and Excel 2010: click File->Options tab
  • Select Export option
  • Select Change File Type option
  • Change the file extension and click Save As

If none of the above-mentioned techniques works, your file may be severely damaged. In such an event, contact to Microsoft Support Team or post your query in related forum. 

Conclusion

“Excel unable to read file” is an annoying error which can also result in loss of data. To prevent such conditions, make sure you keep your device virus free, use a secure network and avoid downloading files from unknown and unprotected sources. 

Keeping a backup of your important data is also very necessary. Still, if you get to face any issue related to Excel, there are methods to keep your data safe, or recover it in case of any loss. While manual methods may work in most cases, if you’re unable to repair damaged Excel files with them, you can always place your trust on Microsoft or any Excel repair utility.