Excel file extension and format don't match? You can fix it quickly

Some Excel users have reported an error message on the Microsoft Support Forum: " The file format and extension (.xls) do not match. The file may be corrupted, or it may not be safe to open. Do not open the file if you are unsure of its authenticity." Is it worth opening?

The Excel file can be opened by users. Users have reported losing all data from their Excel files after clicking " Yes , click to open." You can also see the solutions below if you need to fix this error.

What can I do when the Excel file extension and format do not match?

1. Edit the file extension

1. Others found a solution by manually changing the file extension for different Excel formats, until they found the right solution. Just press the button File Browser In the taskbar Windows 10
2. Choose the right option File Extensions In the View tab
3. You will need to open the Excel folder where the error occurred.
4. Right-click the icon to open the file. Select the option Rename .
5. Edit the file extension at the end to be .xls, .xlsx, or .xlsm. Open the Excel spreadsheet for each alternate format.

2. Choose the Open and Restore option

1. It is possible that the Excel file has been corrupted. You can fix it with the “Fix” option. Repair and open To get started, you need to open Excel first.
2. Choose the File tab.
3. Click here OPEN Click the button below to view the window.
4. Choose the correct file to solve the problem.
5. Then click on the button and then on the arrow OPEN . Choose the appropriate option Repair and open .
6. Choose the right option Repair .
7. If this option is available Repair Is the problem still present? Continue with the steps above and click the button extract data . Then you can click on Convert values ​​to convert Extract data from the spreadsheet

3. Locked Excel files

1. Some users confirmed that they had fixed the bug Format From The file is not compatible with An error has occurred Extension Unlock the file. This can be done by opening File Explorer.
2. Now you can open the path containing the Excel spreadsheet file that needs to be repaired.
3. To select an option, right-click on the Excel file Properties .
4. In that window, select the General tab.
5. Select the appropriate option Unlock . The option will not be available for files from other sources, such as email attachments.
6. Use the Please request .
7. To close this window, click the exit button.

4. Remove Protected View

1. Turns off Protected View Excel can resolve the issue if the file format is not correct. The Excel File tab is available.
2. Click here There are many options To open the window shown below.
3. Just press the button Trust Center The window is on the left side.
4. Then press the button Configuring the Trust Center .
5. Press the button to continue Protected View You can find the Trust Center window.
6. Select all settings Activate protected view there.
7. Take the initiative to Click here About the option You accept You can find the Trust Center window.
8. So, do Click here En You accept You can also close the window again.

5. LibreOffice Calc will open the file

You can also open the Excel file that's causing the error in LibreOffice Calc. Click to add this free spreadsheet application to Windows: Download or LibreOffice Download Page . Then, install Calc Office Suite using the installation wizard.

You should not attempt to open an untrusted file if the source of the problem is unknown. Scan the file with antivirus software before attempting to open it.