How to Avoid Corrupting a Workbook

Computer users who spend a lot of time creating and editing workbooks in Microsoft Excel have usually come across corrupted files at one time or another. This can be a frustrating experience as it may involve recreating the spreadsheet and a loss of time and effort. There are a few things a user can do to avoid corrupted workbook files.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make sure that you always exit Windows properly before you reboot or shut down the computer.

2. Install a quality anti-virus software package and set it to scan your system on a regular basis. Viruses are a likely cause of corrupted files. See the "Resources" section below for free and effective software.

3. Keep your hard drive in good condition. Use the hard drive error checking utility that came with your operating system once a month.

4. Use the "Always Create Backup" option in Microsoft Excel. This will allow you to recover any files that may have been affected.

5. Keep the workbook private or at least limit the sharing of the workbook. Shared workbooks are much more prone to corruption.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are getting unexplained and repeated file corruptions, try moving any radios, fax machines, televisions and stereos away from your computer tower.

References

• How to help prevent file corruption in Excel

Resources

• Excel Tips
• Avast anti-virus software