3 Effective Methods to Find Temporary Excel Files

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If you are looking for a way to find temporary excel files in Windows 10/11 you have come to the right place. In the world of computers and applications, file management and optimization are essential. Temporary files within Microsoft Excel are no exception to this rule as they are regularly updated.

In many cases, users find themselves wanting to recover temporary files. Excel. This comprehensive guide will not only explain the reasons behind such a situation, but also provide precise steps for recovering your files. Whether you are an experienced user or just starting this information will prove valuable in different situations, so try digging into detail without any further worries.

Part 1: Search the configured storage directory to Find Temporary Excel Files in Windows

Microsoft Excel’s Autorecover feature allows files to be saved automatically while you’re working, making sure you don’t lose any progress. This feature is available not only in Excel but also in Word and PowerPoint applications. Every time you create a new worksheet in Excel, a temporary file will be created. The easiest and most effective way to recover these temporary files is by accessing the starting directory where they were saved. The default directory position for Excel temporary files is as follows:

  • Windows 10/11: C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\Unsaved file
  • Windows 8/7/Vista: C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\Unsaved file
  • Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\User name\Local settings\Application information\Microsoft\Office\Unsaved file

Please note that different versions of Windows may store unsaved worksheets in different locations depending on user preferences. To access these directories, simply copy and paste the corresponding path into the File Explorer search bar and press Enter.

It is important to mention that temporary Excel files can be easily separated. These documents have holders only in their file names. They are usually squiggly or “toddle” (~). Also, if you save Excel files to a network drive, they may not be found in the directory listed above.

Tip: When you encounter these temporary files, do not delete or be afraid. They will disappear on their own. Also, you may notice the appearance of a temporary file every time you copy or enter a file in a different location.

Part 2: Temporary file recovery in Excel 2016/2013/2010

For Excel 2016, 2013 or 2010 users, Microsoft Office offers an AutoRecover tool which automatically saves your work and is useful when you want to find files. This tool protects you from power loss, system failure and malfunction that may lead to data loss.

Please note that AutoSave and AutoRecover refer to the same features but may vary depending on the version of Office installed on your computer. To recover temporary files in Excel using Auto Recover, there are three ways you can do this:

Method 1: Using Recover Unsaved Workbooks

  • Open Excel and go to File -> Open -> Recent -> Recover unsaved workbooks
  • Select unsaved files and click Open
  • Select Save As to Recover File

Method 2: Using Manage Workbooks to Find Temporary Excel Files

  • Open Excel and go to File -> Info -> Manage a Workbook -> Recover the unsaved workbook.
  • Select unsaved files and click Open
  • Select Save As to Recover File

Method 3: Use free data recovery software

If the above method does not provide the desired results, you can try using WinfrGUI, a reliable free data recovery software to load unsaved Excel files that are lost or deleted. Follow these steps:

  • Download and install WinfrGUI on your computer.
Download WinfrGUI Free
  • Start the program and go to the hard drive tab and location. Select the drive where you lost your Excel file and start scanning.
  • Soon the recovery process will be completed or check that the unsaved file is in the list. If found, select the file and click ‘Recover’.
  • Finally, check the recovered files and make sure you save them in a secure place.

Part 3: Find Temporary Excel Files from OneDrive

OneDrive is a great backup solution that allows you to access your Excel files in different versions. By using OneDriv, you can prevent data loss caused by hard drive failures while working with worksheets. Here’s how you can temporarily recover Excel files using oneDrive:

  • Step 1: Find the blue OneDrive icon and click on it. Select ‘More’ and go to the ‘Look Online’ option.
  • Step 2: Use the search box on OneDrive to search in the recycling tank.
  • Step 3: When you find a missing Excel file, select the ‘Restore File’ option. Keep in mind that you should not forget another storage location or email.
  • Step 4: Finally, make sure you upgrade missing and found files through OneDrive sync and upgrade your local copy.

Bonus Tip: Enable Excel’s Auto-Save Feature

If the Autosave feature in Excel is not enabled on your computer, you can easily enable it by following these steps:

  • Open Excel and go to File -> More -> Options
  • Search the Save option in the left bar.
  • Make sure that the side boxes “Save every time automatic recovery data” and “Keep the last version saved in the inventory if I close without saving” are checked.
  • Click OK to save changes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as an Excel user, you do not need to worry about data loss. By following the method described above, you can quickly recover temporary Excel files. Remember that you have the AutoRecover feature, and WinfrGUI is a powerful tool. With Winfr GUI you can easily recover temporarily Excel files to make sure your data is safe.

Do not let data loss upset your business. Instead, focus on your primary objective and rely on the tools and strategies provided to keep your files secure and accessible. And if you fail to save your work, there’s always a chance to find it using the history feature in Excel.

FAQ: Find Temporary Excel Files

» Can you recover unsaved Excel files?

Of course! Excel saves samples of files automatically as you work with them. So if you have the latest version of the file, you can easily download it. Here’s how:

  • Click File Tab
  • Go to “Information” and click on it. Search for the “Version Management” option in your right-hand bar.
  • Click ‘Version’ and find the unsaved workbook.
  • Relevantly renamed the workbook and saved it for future reference.

» How do I convert a Temp file to Excel?

If you are using Excel, you may encounter changes in file format, especially when updating Windows or changing Excel versions to convert TEMP files to Excel. Follow these steps:

  • Change file extension from.TMP goes to.xlsx and tries opening the file.
  • Upload files and share them with colleagues over the Internet. Ask them to test and save as an Excel file for you.
  • Use an online tool such as Recovery for Excel to recover and open files from previous Excel versions.

» What happens if you click ‘Don’t Save’ by mistake?

No need to worry if you accidentally click on ‘Do Not Save’. You can recover your files using the version history feature. Just go to the file tab and go to ‘Information’ and select ‘Version’. The process may vary slightly depending on your Office version, but you will find the latest version of your file in the version management history.

» Can I open a TMP file in Excel?

Of course! You can open a TMP file in Excel without any problems. Make sure you save the recovered file with the correct file name and in a directory you can easily access. Most Office applications store TMP files in the specified folder and update them regularly when you make changes. The TMP filename is a useful backup and allows for parent file recovery at all times.

» How can I quickly find a temporary Excel file?

To quickly locate Excel temporary files, open the file detector and copy and route the following directories into the search bar:

  • Windows 10/11: C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\Unsaved file
  • Windows 8/7/Vista: C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\Unsaved file
  • Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\User name\Local settings\Application information\Microsoft\Office\Unsaved file

Make sure you replace ‘UserName’ with your real username.

>>Also Read: How to Get Previous Version of Excel File