Excel File Validator

Diagnose and fix "Excel cannot open the file" errors

Upload Your Excel File

Get detailed diagnosis when Excel reports "file format or extension is not valid"

Drag and drop your Excel file here

or

File name:

File size:

File type:

Diagnosis Results

Solution: Incorrect File Extension

Your file extension doesn't match the actual file format.

Right-click the file and select "Rename"
Change the extension to the correct one:
- Modern Excel: .xlsx
- Older Excel: .xls
- Comma-separated: .csv
Try opening the file again

Solution: File Corruption

Your Excel file appears to be corrupted.

Open Excel to a blank workbook
Go to File > Open
Browse to your file
Click the dropdown arrow on Open button
Select "Open and Repair"
Choose "Repair" or "Extract Data" if repair fails

Solution: Convert File Format

Your file needs conversion to a modern Excel format.

Open the file in its original application
Go to File > Save As
Choose "Excel Workbook (.xlsx)" as format
Save with a new name

Common Causes of Excel File Errors

Incorrect file extension - The extension doesn't match the actual file content
File corruption - Due to improper shutdowns or transfer errors
Format mismatch - Trying to open very old Excel files in new versions
Special characters - In file names or within the content
Macro/virus issues - Excel blocks files with potential security risks

Prevention Tips

Always properly close Excel files (don't force quit Excel)
Use "Save As" periodically to create backups
Avoid interrupting file transfers
Keep your Excel version updated
Use trusted sources for Excel files