how do I open a file in excel!!!

scruffyone

I was updating a spreadsheet and closed the file. However, I must have pressed something in error and now cannot re-open it. I just have a grey screen. Any suggestions as to what I have done and how I can retrieve my work.

Thanks, it is urgent and important otherwise I have to start all over again.:D

googler

The File menu usually has a list of the last sheets you worked on. Pick it from here.

OR

Go to the location where you saved it to (where you opened it for your last session) and double-click on it in that folder.

OR

File - Open and navigate to its location

victor2

Unfortunately, it sounds like the file has got corrupted somehow in the saving process - which will have overwritten the previous good copy. I assume you've tried opening it a number of different ways (like most recent files etc.) with no luck.
I would rename the current one so as to keep it if somebody else has a suggestion to fix it. Then if you have a backup (that dreaded word!) of it anywhere, try and restore that. If not, it's probably back to a blank sheet.

TrickyDicky101

When you say you cannot re-open it and have a grey screen, do you actually get an error or does everything seem to work OK, just that you don't have your file in front of you?

scruffyone

TrickyDicy101, your answer seems to be closest to what is happening. Victor 2 - I do have the dreaded backup and thought that I might have to rework my accounts (wouldn't you know it) which I had been working on for two hours but wanted to see if someone more experienced might be able to help in saving me this extra work. Googler - I don't understand what you are trying to tell me to do.

Thanks and any other suggestions before I retrieve my backup would be much appreciated.

TrickyDicky101

What version of Excel are you using? If 2003 or below, try going Window>Arrange and see if that brings the file up. The same option is on the View ribbon in 2007 or above.

scruffyone

I am using 2003 but don't understand how to go into Window>arrange - could you spell it out for me to try. Many thanks.

TrickyDicky101

On the menu bar, select the Window menu, then select the Arrange option and choose Tiled.

scruffyone

You are a star, TrickyDicky1, saved me so much time as this has worked. You have my sincere appreciation as I really didn't want to have to do all the work again. Now I can sit down with a glass, drink your health and relax.

TrickyDicky101

You're welcome :-) This happens to me all the time especially when I transfer files from my home computer to my works one (it is very common if you use twin monitor set ups with Excel stretched across both).

victor2

Nice one TrickyDicky101! Good to see a simple solution to the problem.