Format Error in Sub-document

[ryanpfw]

I just tried to open an important document and got the error message Format Error Discovered in the file in sub-document content.xml at 2,29657(row, col). The latest backup is unfortunately six weeks old. I did note that the file size dropped from almost a megabyte to 40k. Is it possible to save the document?

[RoryOF]

I doubt that any worthwhile rescue is possible with such a size difference, unless there are dropped graphics. Please upload the file and someone will try, but I don't hold out much hope.

[ryanpfw]

I appreciate you trying. Is there an email address I can send it?

[robleyd]

Sent you a PM

[robleyd]

I'm sorry but the file Content.xml which contains your actual spreadsheet data is badly corrupted; it has about 99.5% of its content made up of null characters. Essentially there is nothing to salvage.

A last resort if you have no backup, as soon as possible do the following:

Download Recuva or PhotoRec (only one needed) and let it do an in-depth recovery of deleted files on your computer. You may get a file containing some or all of your data (or not). Do this as a first priority; other use of the computer may overwrite any existing but deleted files and prevent their recovery. There is no guarantee that you will recover anything useful.

You might also find Timestamp backup extension a useful resource.

[ryanpfw]

I greatly appreciate you trying! I have a backup from several weeks ago and I may have to recreate what's missing. I'll certainly take daily backups from now on!