What is a .XLK file?
An .XLK file is a type of backup file specifically created by Microsoft Excel, which is a popular program used for making and managing spreadsheets. This file contains a backup version of a spreadsheet, such as those with an .XLSX or .XLS extension. The purpose of an XLK file is to help you recover your data if the original spreadsheet gets lost or damaged.
Microsoft Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is known for its comprehensive tools that help users organize, manipulate, and visualize data effectively. When you are working with important or large amounts of data in Excel, it's a good practice to have backup copies. Although Excel has an AutoRecover feature that helps recover unsaved data if the program crashes, having a separate backup file (.XLK) ensures you have an additional safety net for your data.
### How to Create an XLK File in Excel: To create an XLK backup file, Excel offers an option that you can enable when saving your spreadsheet: 1. When you save a file, go to the "Save As" dialog box. 2. Click on "Tools" located near the bottom of the dialog box, then select "General Options." 3. In the General Options, there is a checkbox labeled "Always create backup." Check this box if you want Excel to automatically create an XLK backup file each time you save the spreadsheet. 4. After selecting this option, click "OK," then proceed to save your file as usual.
When this option is enabled, Excel will create an XLK file in the same folder where your original file is saved. Note that the backup file is always one save behind the current version of your spreadsheet. For example, if your original file is named "Monthly Report.xlsx," the backup file will be named "Backup of Monthly Report.xlk." ### Programs That Can Open .XLK Files: - **Microsoft Excel 365**: As the primary software that creates XLK files, Excel can open and manage these files directly. - **OpenOffice Calc**: This is a free, open-source office suite that can also handle XLK files, providing a good alternative for those who do not have Microsoft Excel.
Using these programs, you can open and access the data stored in .XLK files, ensuring that your important information is not lost even if the original files are compromised.
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