The error “Excel found unreadable content in filename.xlsx” occurs while opening the Excel file. This error usually occurs when the Excel application fails to read the file or its content. The error indicates some issue with the file. In this post, we will mention the possible reasons behind this error and the methods to resolve this Excel error. We will also mention an advanced Excel file repair tool that can help you repair Excel file.
Reasons for “Excel Found Unreadable Content” Error in Excel
There could be different reasons for the ‘Excel found unreadable content in xxx.xlsx’ error. Some of them are:
- Excel file is corrupted or damaged.
- Objects within the Excel file, such as macros, tables, pivot tables, charts, formulas, etc., are corrupted.
- The Excel file you are trying to access is incompatible with your Excel version.
Methods to Resolve “Excel Found Unreadable Content in xxx.xlsx’ Error
First, try to move the affected Excel file to a new folder and check if it resolves the issue. If changing the file location to a different folder does not work, you can try “restoring the Excel file to a previously saved version.” If the issue still persists, then follow the below methods:
Method 1: Make the File Read-Only
Sometimes, accidental changes to the Excel file can affect the structure within the file, resulting in the “Excel found unreadable content” error. In such a case, make the Excel file read-only. This helps in resolving the error. To make the file read-only, follow the steps below:
- Open your Excel file and then click on File.
- Click on Save As and then choose the location.
- In the ‘Save As’ dialog box, click Tools and select General Options.
- Select the checkbox labeled ‘Read-only recommended’ to make the Excel file read-only and then click OK.
Now, you can copy the content from the affected file to a new one and save it.
Method 2: Install Visual Basic Component in Office 2010
The “Excel found unreadable content” error can also occur in macro-enabled files due to missing or corrupt Visual Basic components. This issue usually appears if you are using Office 2010. In such a case, you can try reinstalling the Visual Basic components. Here’s how to do so:
- Open the Control Panel on your system.
- Click Programs and select Microsoft Office 2010.
- Select ‘Change’ and then click ‘Add or Remove Programs.’
- Find ‘Visual Basic Applications’ and right-click on it.
- Click ‘Run from my Computer’ and click on the ‘Continue’ option.
- Wait till the process is complete. Then, restart your system.
Method 3: Change the Default File Format
Many Excel users have confirmed they’re able to fix the “Excel found unreadable content” error by changing the file format. You can also change the file format to check if this works for you. Following are the steps to do so:
- In your Excel, go to the File menu and then click on Options.
- In the Options window, click the option labeled “Save files in this file format.”
- Choose a compatible file format as per your Excel application version.
- Now, try to open your Excel file.
Method 4: Repair Your Excel File
Corruption in Excel file is one of the major reasons behind the “Excel found unreadable content” error. If your Excel file is corrupted, you can try repairing the file using the Open and Repair utility – an inbuilt utility in Excel to repair damaged or corrupt Excel files. Follow these steps:
- In your Excel application, click File > Open.
- In the ‘Open’ dialog box, click on the Excel file you need to repair and then click on the arrow next to the ‘Open’ button.
- Click the Open and Repair option from the dropdown menu.
- You will see a dialog box asking you to repair the file or extract data from it.
- Click on the Repair option.
If your Excel file is severely corrupted, the “Open and Repair” utility may fail to provide the desired results. In such a case, you can rely on a professional Excel file recovery tool, like Stellar Repair for Excel. This tool can repair highly corrupt Excel files and recover macros, tables, pivot tables, and other objects from the file. This helps in resolving corruption-related errors, including the “Excel found unreadable content” error. You can download the demo version of the Stellar Repair for Excel to check its functionality. It allows you to preview the recoverable data. The tool is compatible with all Windows editions, including Windows 11.
Conclusion
The “Excel found unreadable content” error can occur due to incorrect file format, corruption in Excel files, etc. You can follow the methods explained above to resolve the error. If the Excel file is damaged or corrupt, you can use the built-in utility in Excel – Open and Repair. If it fails to repair the file, you can use a professional tool for Excel file repair, such as Stellar Repair for Excel. It can even repair severely corrupt Excel files (.xls, .xlsx, .xltm, .xltx, and .xlsm). It can recover all the file components, such as cell comments, macros, tables, pivot tables, etc., without affecting the original structure and formatting. The tool is compatible with Excel 2019, 2016, and older versions.
