FIX: Excel file is not in a Recognizable Format

Corrupted Excel files cause the “Excel file in unrecognizable format error”. Microsoft ensures that the worksheet will be recoverable when imported into Excel, however this does not always happen. That’s the true challenge. In such circumstances, solving the problem requires getting to the source of it.

You don’t need to be alarmed if you’ve ever made this mistake. When you encounter the Excel file in unknown format issue, we have a few options for you.

Use MOC.exe file

Right click on the .XLS file that contains the error.

Select Open with and choose More apps.

Select Look for another app on this PC.

Navigate to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeVersion

Select the file with the name MOC.exe

Complete export and try opening the excel file which should have resolved the error.

Opening the file from within the Excel

Open a new Excel file.

Go to the File tab and click on Options.

On the Formulas tab, check Manual under the Calculation options.

Click OK.

Open the new Excel file again and go back to the File tab.

Choose Open and select Browse.

Look for the file with the error and select it.

Click the drop-down arrow on Open and select Open and Repair.

Choose the Repair option.

Try opening the file after the repair to see if the issue has been resolved.