How to handle corrupted Excel workbooks by saving them in the SYLK format in Excel 2003 or in Excel 2002

This step-by-step article describes how to use the SYLK format to save corrupted files.

If you suspect that you have a corrupted Microsoft Excel file and you can open the file, you can use the method in this article to "filter" the file. This method does not save worksheet elements that are not available in Microsoft Excel version 2.x; for example, graphic objects are not saved.

Filter the File with SYLK Format

1. Open the file that appears to be corrupted.
2. On the File menu, click Save As.
3. In the Save as type list, click SYLK (Symbolic Link), and then click Save.
   
   NOTE: Only the active sheet in the workbook is saved when you use the SYLK file format. If you have multiple worksheets, you can save each sheet as a separate SYLK file.
4. Click OK when you receive the message telling you that the selected file type does not support workbooks that contain multiple sheets. Click Yes when you receive the message telling you that the file may contain features that are not compatible with the SYLK format.
5. On the File menu, click Close.
6. On the File menu, click Open.
7. Select the .slk file that you saved in step 3, and then click Open.
   
   NOTE: To see the .slk file, you may have to click All Files in the Files of type list.
8. On the File menu, click Save As.
9. In the Save as type box, click Microsoft Excel Workbook, and then click Save.