Overview: This guide shows you how to repair a corrupted Excel file using Excel's repair feature. This applies to any corrupted Excel files in Active Workpapers, including binders, workpapers, or templates.
Please refer to the Glossary for definitions of key terms used in this article.
Symptoms / Error message
You may have a corrupted Excel file if you encounter any of these situations:
During binder rollover, you might see an error:
"It looks like the source binder is corrupted, and we are unable to proceed. Please repair the source binder, then try again. If you need further assistance, please contact our support team."
Other indicators include:
Excel file won't open properly from Active Workpapers
Excel prompts about file corruption when opening in Excel desktop or Excel online
Unexpected Excel repair messages
WARNING: Ensure the Excel program is fully closed before starting the repair process below.
Resolution
Please follow the steps below to resolve your corrupted Excel Active workpapers binder.
1 - Download corrupted file
In Active Workpapers, locate the corrupted Excel file
Click Settings & Tools (⚙️gear icon) in the top menu
Select Excel Binder Profile
Under Document Versions, find your current version
Click the Download button next to Edit
Note where the file downloads on your computer.
2- Unblock downloaded file (if required)
For Windows 10/11 users:
Locate the downloaded file on your computer (usually in your downloads folder)
Right-click the file
If using windows 11, Select Show more options (or press Shift + F10)
Select Properties from the expanded menu
At the bottom of Properties window, check the box next to Unblock if it can be seen
Click Apply then OK
Note: If you don't see the Unblock option or are using a different operating system, proceed to the next step.
3- Repair file in Excel
Open Excel (as a blank workbook)
Click File > Open > Browse
Browse to your downloaded file and select it so that it is highlighted
Click the dropdown arrow next to the Open button
Select Open and Repair
When prompted "We found a problem with some content...", click Repair
Once the file opens after being repaired, do not log into the taskpane on the right. Rather, check that all of your sheets and data is intact and Immediately click File > Save As
Save this repaired file to your desktop with the same name. (the file extension should be .xlsx)
After the repaired file is saved, Close all Excel windows completely.
4- Upload repaired file to Active
Important: Verify all Excel windows are closed before uploading.
Return to your Binder in the Active Platform
Click Settings & Tools⚙️cog in the top right menu of your binder
Select Excel Binder Profile
Click Upload New Version
Select your repaired file after clicking Upload File
Click Save New Version
Scroll down and click Save and Close
5- Next steps
For binder rollovers:
Return to Binders page
Click Create Binder
Select Rollover from Previous Period
Choose your repaired binder
Complete the rollover process
For other scenarios:
Open your binder as normal from the Active website.
Let the taskpane load and then verify all content is correct
Continue with your intended work.
Troubleshooting Tips
If issues persist:
Verify that all Excel windows are closed before and after uploading the repaired binder to Active
Ensure the file was unblocked (Windows users) per step 2
Try using a different browser or incognito mode to upload your binder for step 4
Ensure the file uploaded carries a .xlsx format
Contact support if problems continue