How to Recover Overwritten Excel File on Mac and Windows

In the fast-paced digital age, accidental file overwrites can be a common but heart-wrenching experience, especially when you lose crucial Excel files. Whether you're working on a Mac or a Windows PC, the anxiety of losing vital data can be overwhelming.

However, fear not! This article is your roadmap to redemption, offering step-by-step guidance on how to recover overwritten Excel file sheets on both Mac and Windows operating systems. Let's delve into the world of file recovery and reclaim your invaluable data with confidence.

Part 1. How to Recover Overwritten Excel File on MacPart 2. How to Recover Overwritten Excel File on WindowsPart 3. The Best Tool to Recover Overwritten Excel File Sheets: FoneDog Data RecoveryPart 4. Summary

Part 1. How to Recover Overwritten Excel File on Mac

Method 01. Using Time Machine Backup Restoration

If you have been diligent with your Time Machine backups, you can easily recover overwritten Excel files on your Mac by following these steps:

1. Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac.
2. Open the folder where your Excel file was originally saved.
3. Launch Time Machine by clicking on its icon in the menu bar or accessing it through System Preferences.
4. Navigate through the timeline to locate the version of the folder that contains your Excel file.
5. Select the file, and click "Restore" to retrieve the overwritten version.

Note: Ensure that you choose the right date and time to recover the desired version of your Excel file.

Method 02. Check AutoRecover Folder

If your Excel application is set up to auto-save documents, you might find a recent version of your overwritten file in the AutoRecover folder. Follow these steps:

1. Open Excel on your Mac.
2. Click on "File" in the menu bar and select "Open".
3. In the Open dialog box, locate and click on "Recover Unsaved Workbooks" at the bottom.
4. Look for your overwritten Excel file in the AutoRecover folder.
5. Select the file, and click "Open" to recover the last auto-saved version.

Note: Make sure to check the AutoRecover folder promptly, as auto-saved files may be temporary and could be deleted after some time.

Method 03. Use Terminal

For users comfortable with command-line operations, Terminal can be a powerful tool for recovering overwritten Excel files on Mac. Follow these steps:

1. Open Terminal on your Mac.
2. Navigate to the directory where your Excel file is located using the "cd" command.
3. Type the following command to list all the versions of the file: ls -lU
4. Identify the version you want to recover and note its name.
5. Use the "cp" command to copy the desired version to a new file: cp old_filename.xlsx new_filename.xlsx

Note: Exercise caution while using Terminal, as incorrect commands can lead to data loss. Make sure to replace "old_filename.xlsx" and "new_filename.xlsx" with the actual names of your files.

Part 2. How to Recover Overwritten Excel File on Windows

Method 01. Use Command Prompt

If you're on a Windows system and have experienced an Excel file overwrite, you can leverage Command Prompt for potential file recovery. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking the Start button, selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)".
2. Navigate to the directory where your Excel file is located using the cd command. For example, type cd Documents if your file is in the Documents folder.
3. Once in the directory, type the following command and press Enter:

copy /b filename.xlsx + filename (backup).xlsx filename_recovered.xlsx

Replace "filename.xlsx" with the actual names of your files.

1. Check the directory for the newly created "filename_recovered.xlsx" file.

Note: This method combines the original and backup files into a new one. Make sure to replace "filename.xlsx" and "filename (backup).xlsx" with your actual file names. This method might not work if a backup copy is not available.

Method 02. Use File History

If you have File History enabled on your Windows system, you can recover an overwritten Excel file with these steps:

1. Open the folder where your Excel file was located.
2. Right-click on the folder and select "Restore previous versions".
3. A list of previous versions of the folder, including your Excel file, will be displayed.
4. Select the version you want to recover and click the "Restore" button.

Method 03. Check Recycle Bin

If you accidentally deleted or overwrote your Excel file, the Recycle Bin might be holding a copy. Here's how to check:

1. Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
2. Look for your Excel file. If you find it, right-click on the file and choose "Restore".
3. The file will be returned to its original location.

Note: This method is effective only if you haven't emptied the Recycle Bin since the file was overwritten or deleted. If the Recycle Bin has been emptied, this option may not be applicable.

Part 3. The Best Tool to Recover Overwritten Excel File Sheets: FoneDog Data Recovery

FoneDog Data Recovery stands out as a powerful and user-friendly tool designed to recover overwritten Excel files efficiently. Whether your files were lost due to accidental deletion or overwrite, this software is equipped to handle the task with precision.

Free Download Free Download

Key Features:

1. File Type Versatility: Recovers a wide range of file types, including Excel spreadsheets, ensuring comprehensive data retrieval.
2. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design makes it accessible for users of all levels, minimizing the learning curve.
3. Deep Scan Technology: Utilizes advanced scanning algorithms to perform a thorough search for lost or overwritten files.
4. Preview Functionality: Allows users to preview recoverable files before initiating the restoration process.
5. Selective Recovery: Permits users to selectively recover specific Excel sheets or files, avoiding unnecessary data retrieval.

Steps to Recover Overwritten Excel Files

1. Download and Install:
   • Download FoneDog Data Recovery from the official website.
   • Install the software on your Windows or Mac computer.
2. Launch the Program:
   • Open FoneDog Data Recovery on your system.
3. Select File Type and Location:
   • Choose "Documents" or specify the file type as "Excel" in the recovery options.
   • Select the drive or location where the overwritten Excel file was originally stored.
4. Initiate the Scan:
   • Click on the "Start Scan" button to commence the scanning process.
5. Preview and Recover:
   • After the scan is complete, preview the recoverable Excel files.
   • Select the specific sheets or files you want to recover.
6. Recover Files:
   • Click on the "Recover" button to initiate the file recovery process.

FoneDog Data Recovery proves to be a comprehensive and efficient solution for recovering overwritten Excel files. With its user-friendly interface, powerful features, and selective recovery options, it offers a streamlined approach to data retrieval. Whether you're a novice or an experienced user, FoneDog Data Recovery is a reliable ally in the quest to recover your valuable Excel files.

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Part 4. Summary

In summary, recovering overwritten Excel files is a critical task that demands a strategic approach. Whether you're using a Mac or a Windows system, various methods and tools are at your disposal:

On Mac:

• Leverage Time Machine for seamless backup restoration.
• Check the AutoRecover folder in Excel for automatically saved versions.
• Utilize the Previous Versions feature for file recovery.
• Consider using Terminal for advanced users.

On Windows:

• Explore Time Machine or File History for system-generated backups.
• Check the Recycle Bin for recently deleted or overwritten files.
• Utilize the Shadow Copies feature for Windows systems.
• For advanced users on Windows, Command Prompt can be a valuable tool.

Additionally, specialized tools like FoneDog Data Recovery can simplify the recovery process by providing a user-friendly interface, advanced scanning capabilities, and selective recovery options. Remember to act promptly, and choose the method or tool that aligns with your specific scenario to maximize the chances of successful file recovery.