3 ways to recover a corrupted Excel workbook

3 ways to recover a corrupted Excel workbook
Original source

It’s your worst Excel® nightmare: a damaged or corrupted workbook. This can happen for a variety of reasons – and the good news is that there is a variety of ways to retrieve your damaged file.

If a file is corrupted, Excel should normally perform an automated recovery. However, if that doesn’t work, there are a few other options you can try.

1. Recover or repair the file manually with Excel
The steps for manually recovering a workbook are quite simple.

1. Select “Open” from the File menu. In Excel 2007, click the Office button and select “Open”.
2. Using the Look In control, locate and specify the corrupted workbook.
3. From the Open button’s dropdown list, choose “Open and Repair”.
4. If this is your first attempt to manually recover the workbook, click “Repair” in the dialogue box that appears.

Usually Excel will be able to recover the entire file, but it doesn’t always work. If you’ve tried this process and you can’t recover the entire file, you can still at least recover your data. To do so, click “Extract Data” in step 4.

2. Use the last saved version
If the file becomes corrupted while you’re working in the workbook, DON’T save the file. Instead, revert to the last saved version of the file. Doing so without saving first should get rid of whatever was corrupting the file. Be forewarned – you could possibly lose some data, but if you’ve been regularly saving your work (as you should be!) this is a lot better than losing the entire file.

To revert to the last saved version:

1. Choose Open from the File menu. In Excel 2007, click the Office button and select Open.
2. Using the Look In control, locate and specify the corrupted workbook.
3. Click “Open”.

3. Try opening the file in another program
If Excel can’t open the corrupted workbook, there are several other programs you can use to try to open it. Microsoft Tools is one option:

1. From the Windows XP Start menu, choose All Programs.
2. Select Microsoft Office, then Microsoft Office Tools and Microsoft Office Application Recovery.
3. In the dialogue box that appears, choose Microsoft Office Excel.
4. Click “Recover Application”.

You can also try opening the workbook in Microsoft WordPad. The only caveat: WordPad will convert all the data into text, and it won’t recover formulas. However, it will at least restore your important data. It will also recover your VBA procedures (macros) – just search recovered text for “Sub” and “Function” to find them.

You may also be able to open the corrupted .xls file in Word, but again, the data is the only thing you’ll be able to recover - and even that may give you mixed results. So only try this as a last resort!

For more Excel troubleshooting tips and tricks, see the Microsoft Excel 2007 Core Skills class in the HP Learning Centre or visit the Microsoft Excel home page.

Microsoft and Excel are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Net file

Net file
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/net_file.mspx?mfr=true

View list of computers/users opening/using shared files

1. go to the machine where the shared folder is hosted
2. open command prompt
3. invoke command: Net File
   

Find certain opened shared-files:
net file | find /I "file-path-or-pattern" [> logfilepathname]

example:
net file | find /I "file_test.xls" > d:\net-file-pattern.log

the example above will list all shared files being used/opened with result pattern "file_test.xls" and write the list to d:\net-file-pattern.log

Win XP / 2003 comands

Win XP / 2003 comands
http://www.planet-orange.org/ultimate-windows-xp2000-command-list/

1.    at (windows XP/2000)
Scheduling utility.
2.    bootcfg (XP only)
This utility allows you to set up your boot options, such as your default OS and other loading options.
3.    cacls (XP, 2000, & NT4.0)
Changes the ACLs (security Settings) of files and folders. Very similar to chmod in Linux.
4.    comp (XP & 2000)
This utility is very similar to diff in Linux. Use the /? switch to get examples of command usage.
5.    contig (works with NT4.0 and newer)
A great defrag utility for NTFS partitions.
6.    control (XP only) - unpublished!
Allows you to launch control panel applets from the command line.
7.    control userpasswords2, for example will launch a helpful local user admin utility. defrag (XP only - NT4.0 and Win2k use contig)
Yes, XP comes with a command line disk defrag utility. If you are running Win2k or NT4.0 there is still hope. Contig is a free defrag program that I describe on the defrag page.
8.    diskpart (XP only)
Use this command to manage your disk partitions. This is the text version for the GUI Disk Manager.
9.    driverquery (XP only)
Produces a list of drivers, their properties, and their versions. Great for computer documentation.
10.    eudcedit (XP only) -unpublished!
Private Character editor. Yes with this program built into Windows XP you can create your own font!
11.    findstr
Find String - similar to Linux's Grep.
12.    fsutil (XP only) - unpublished!
This is a utility with a lot of capability. Come back soon for great examples.
13.    getmac (XP & 2000)
This command gets the Media Access Control (MAC) address of your network cards.
14.    gpresult (XP & 2000)
This generates a summary of the user settings and computer group policy settings.
15.    gpupdate (XP only)
Use this utility to manually apply computer and user policy from your windows 2000 (or newer) domain.
16.    ipconfig (XP, 2000 & NT4.0)
This handy tool displays IP settings of the current computer and much more.
17.    MMC (XP, 2000 & NT4.0) - Microsoft Management Console
This is the master tool for Windows, it is the main interface in which all other tools use starting primarily in Windows 2000 and newer systems.
18.    more
Utility used to display text output one screen at a time. Ex. more c:\windows\win.ini
19.    msconfig (XP only)
The ultimate tool to change the services and utilities that start when your Windows machine boots up. You can also copy the executable from XP and use it in Win2k.
20.    msinfo32 (XP &smp; 2000)
An awesome diagnostic tool. With it you can get a list of running processes, including the residing path of the executable (great for manually removing malware) and get detailed information about hardware and system diagnostics.
21.    narrator (XP only)
Turns on the system narrator (can also be found in accessibility options in control panel). Will allow your computer to dictate text to you.
22.    netsh (XP & 2000)
A network configuration tool console. At the 'netsh>' prompt, use the '?' to list the available commands and type "exit" to get back to a command prompt.
23.    netstat (XP)
A local network port tool - try netstat -ano.
24.    nslookup (all)
A DNS name resolution tool.
25.    openfiles (XP Only)
Allows an administrator to display or disconnect open files in XP professional. Type "openfiles /?" for a list of possible parameters.
26.    Pathping (XP & 2000)
A cross between the ping and traceroute utilities. Who needs Neotrace when you can use this? Type "pathping " and watch it go.
27.    recover (XP & 2000)
This command can recover readable information from a damaged disk and is very easy to use.
28.    reg (XP & 2000)
A console registry tool, great for scripting Registry edits.
29.    sc (XP & 2000)
A command line utility called the Service Controller. A power tool to make service changes via a logon/logoff or startup/shutdown script.
30.    schtasks (XP only)
A newer version of the AT command. This allows an administrator to schedule and manage scheduled tasks on a local and remote machines.
31.    secedit (XP & 2000)
Use this utility to manually apply computer and user policy from your windows 2000 (or newer) domain. Example to update the machine policy: secedit /refreshpolicy machine_policy /enforce
To view help on this, just type secedit.
NOTE: In Windows XP SP1 and news, this command is superceded by: gpupdate /force
32.    sfc (XP & 2000)
The system file checker scans important system files and replaces the ones you (or your applications) hacked beyond repair with the real, official Microsoft versions.
33.    shutdown (XP & 2000)
With this tool, You can shut down or restart your own computer, or an administrator can shut down or restart a remote computer.
34.    sigverif (XP only)
Microsoft has created driver signatures. A signed driver is Microsoft tested and approved. With the sigverif tool you can have all driver files analyzed to verify that they are digitally signed. Just type 'sigverif' at the command prompt.
35.    systeminfo (XP only)
Basic system configuration information, such as the system type, the processor type, time zone, virtual memory settings, system uptime, and much more. This program is great for creating an inventory of computers on your network.
36.    sysedit (XP/2000)
System Configuration File Editor. An old tool that was very handy for the Windows 9X days. msconfig is what you want to use now.
37.    tasklist (XP pro only)
Tasklist is the command console equivalent to the task manager in windows. It is a must have when fighting scumware and viruses. Try the command:
tasklist /svc
to view the memory resources your services take up.
38.    taskkill (XP only)
Taskkill contains the rest of the task manager functionality. It allows you to kill those unneeded or locked up applications.
39.    tree (XP & 2000)
An amazing experience everyone should try! This command will provide a 'family tree' style display of the drive/folder you specify.
40.    WMIC (XP & 2000)
Windows Management Instrumentation Command tool. This allows you to pull an amazing amount of low-level system information from a command line scripting interface.
41.    schtasks /? (XP)

WriteProtect USBStorageDevice on WinXP SP2

Read Only access (WriteProtect) to any usb storage device on Microsoft Windows XP SP2

** open Registry Editor
** look for or create new key:
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
** look for or create new DWORD value: WriteProtect
** put value: 1

Rollback
** put value: 0 (zero)

Info
** Other usb devices (non storage devices) are not affected

config.nt - error message when trying to run a program in Windows 2000

config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications - error message when trying to run a program in Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/889506

-SYMPTOMS-
When you try to run a program on a Microsoft Windows 2000-based computer, you may receive the following error message:
config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

-CAUSE-
This issue may occur if all the following conditions are true:
• You try to run a 16-bit program.
• You have installed the MS04-032 Security Update for Microsoft Windows.
• You have disabled 8.3 file name creation for the NTFS file system.
When you run a 16-bit program on Windows 2000, the program runs in the Microsoft Windows NT Virtual DOS Machine (NTVDM). The NTVDM is a multithreaded process that simulates a 16-bit Windows environment where 16-bit Windows-based programs can be run as separate threads. The NTVDM uses the TMP system variable to find a location to run the program. Typically, the TMP system variable is set to C:\WINNT\Temp. This folder uses the 8.3 file-naming format when new files are created, instead of using long file names.

After the MS04-032 Security Update for Microsoft Windows is installed, the NTVDM uses the TMP user variable instead of the TMP system variable. If 8.3 file name creation is disabled on your computer, the TMP user variable uses long file names.

-WORKAROUND-
To work around this issue, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click System, click the Advanced tab, and then click Environment Variables.
3. In the User variables for User_Name list, click TMP, and then click Edit.
4. In the Variable value box, type c:\winnt\temp, and then click OK three times.

Alternatively, type the path of any folder that does not use long file names in the Variable Value box.
5. Close Control Panel.
Note To work around this issue for many users, you can use the PathMan.exe utility to update the TMP user variable by using a logon script. PathMan.exe is included in the Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit. For more information about PathMan.exe, click Tools Help in the Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit, expand Computer Management Tools, and then click PathMan.exe.

-MORE INFORMATION-
When 8.3 file name creation is disabled, the NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation registry entry has a value of 1. This registry entry is in the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem
Because many 16-bit programs cannot use long file names, we recommend that you do not disable 8.3 file name creation on computers that run 16-bit programs.

For additional information about the MS04-032 Security Update for Microsoft Windows, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
840987 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/840987/) MS04-032: Security update for Microsoft Windows

Registry entries ** LAN Settings button on Internet Options->Connections tab **

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings

Registry entries ** Hidden Run and Clock **

HKEY_Current_User\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Registry entries ** Connection Tab Settings on Internet Options **

Warning:
Be sure to make a backup copy of the registry prior to making any changes to it.
Use the Registry Editor at your own risk.

To restore the Connection tab to the Internet Options, follow the procedure outlined below:

1. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedt [Enter] or click OK.
2. Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel

3. Single left click the Control Panel key to open its contents in the right pane.
4. In the right pane, double click the entry titled: NameTab
5. Change the DWORD value from 1 (one) to 0 (zero).
6. Exit the registry editor and restart Internet Explorer.

related link: http://www.5starsupport.com/info/ietechinfo.htm#connection-tab

Command line to: Lock Desktop; Log Off; Reboot; and Shutdown

# Lock Desktop #
%WinDir%\system32\rundll32 %WinDir%\system32\user32.dll,LockWorkStation

# Log Off #
%windir%\System32\Shutdown.exe -l -t 5 -c "Logging off from system in 5 seconds"

# Reboot #
%windir%\System32\Shutdown.exe -r -t 10 -c "Rebooting system in 10 seconds"

# Shutdown #
%windir%\System32\Shutdown.exe -s -t 10 -c "Shutting down system in 10 seconds"

# Abort #
%windir%\System32\Shutdown.exe -a

Disable / Enable MSI

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/disablemsi.asp

Platform SDK: Windows Installer
DisableMSI

If the value of this per-machine system policy is set to "2" the installer is always disabled for all applications. If this policy value is set to "1", the installer is disabled for unmanaged applications but is still enabled for managed applications.

The following table lists the possible configurations.
DisableMSI Description
Default

On Windows Server 2003 family, if the policy value is Null, absent, or any number other than 1 or 2, the Windows Installer is enabled for managed applications. Unmanaged application installs are blocked.
0 Windows Installer is enabled for all applications. All install operations are allowed.
1 The Windows Installer is disabled for unmanaged applications but is still enabled for managed applications. Non-elevated per-user installations are blocked. Per-user elevated and per-machine installs are allowed.
2 Windows Installer is always disabled for all applications. No installs are allowed including repairs, reinstalls, or on-demand installations.

Registry Key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer

Data Type
REG_DWORD

TimeStamp a file

rem TimeStamp a file
rem this batch file will create date and time variables
rem date var is sDate
rem time var is sTime
rem sDate and sTime should be put at the back of the file to be timestamped
rem the format would be filename_%sDate%_%sTime%

@Echo off
Set CURRDATE=%TEMP%\CURRDATE.TMP
Set CURRTIME=%TEMP%\CURRTIME.TMP

DATE /T > %CURRDATE%
TIME /T > %CURRTIME%

Set PARSEARG="eol=; tokens=1,2,3,4* delims=:/-, "
For /F %PARSEARG% %%i in (%CURRDATE%) Do SET sDate=%%k%%j%%i

Set PARSEARG="eol=; tokens=1,2,3* delims=:/-, "
For /F %PARSEARG% %%i in (%CURRTIME%) Do Set sTime=%%i%%j%%k

MS Windows Reserved words for Security

Brainstorming : MS Windows Reserved words for Security
ms reserved words for devices:
con, prn, aux, clock$, nul, com1, com2, com3, com4, com5, com6, com7, com8, com9, lpt1, lpt2, lpt3, lpt4, lpt5, lpt6, lpt7, lpt8, and lpt9

samples:
mkdir \\.\d:\con
copy \\.\d:\temp\public\wtspd01.20051108.1.sql \\.\d:\con\lpt1.sql
rename \\.\d:\con\lpt1.sql a.sql