begging for help

[chase_me]

I am in desperate need of help. I had to format my computer hte other day and I backed up my files but now when i try to open a couple of very important excel documents i cannot get them to open. I get the following error:
Excel cannot open the fil because the file format or file extension is not valid verify the file has not been corrupted and that the file extension is valid.

I had this file open 2 seconds before formatting so i know the file is not corrupt and i am using the same verison of office as a i was before.

Please I hope someone out there is an excel expert and can help me, i know there are programs you can use but i really don't want to spend upwards of $50 on them.

[filthy]

So I'm guessing after format you reinstalled MS Office?

[chase_me]

yes as i stated i am using the same version as i was before the format

[Hans]

Try to convert it to a different format.

http://www.zamzar.com/

[chase_me]

I tried that hans but it didn't work either I am so frustrated

[Trollic]

go to microsoft and you can get a excel reader
that may help
or try open office use a copy of what you have and convert that
to open office
good luck
you may find a program to repair that file on uncle bills site

[chase_me]

I have tried open office with no luck, i am totally willing to send this file to someone if they think they can help me.

[Hans]

Send me the file and I will see what I can do, if anything.

[axalon2003]

Did you try right clicking on the file and using the open with option? Try pointing it to Excel and see what happens.

[chase_me]

yup i sure did axalon

[NewCasa]

What is the name of the file?

[chase_me]

umm i guess i am curious as to what the name has to do with anything? Not trying to be rude just really curious. If you are thinking it is the file name it is not as Jeffster and i both changed the name and it didn't ake a difference.

Honestly if i can't open it as an excel thing I would be fine with opening it anywhere then i can just put it back into excel.

[NewCasa]

Well, I was thinking of the obvious - the file name extension needs to be .xls

[chase_me]

The extension is xlsx because it is Office 2007 I tried to change it to XLS using the site hans advised but it was a no go. I seriously don't care if it is all jumbled as long as someone can open the darn thing

[ByrdDawg]

Maybe this site will help.
http://www.killertechtips.com/2009/04/23/xlsx-to-xls/

[chase_me]

thanks byrd dawg that was a nogo too, I guess i am not getting this file back but thanks to all who had suggestions

[axalon2003]

Were there multiple useers on the computer you reloaded? Was there a user password on the system you reloaded? Did you reload the same operating system, and version (XP, XP Pro, Vista Basic, Vista Ultimate........)? Likely dumb questions, but it may help.

[chase_me]

no it was only one user, no there was no password, yes it is the same OS, yes it is the same version Vista something or another lol.

[axalon2003]

Are there any Macros or AddIns on the Excel sheets? Excel 2007 uses a bunch of different file extensions. Taks a look at this site : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../cc179191.aspx
It may give you an idea of which file extension you may need to use, or at least give you an idea of what the issue opening the file may be.

[axalon2003]

Here is a file recovery tool: http://www.officerecovery.com/excel/index.htm
It is a trial version only, but it may let you recover the data from the sheets. I am not sure how many runs it will allow you.