Spreadsheet has disappeared

[Rhianne]

A very important spreadsheet has been lost - which is saved on our server as
two departments require access to it.

A colleague today has been inputting information into it and says that they
saved it correctly, before closing it down. However two hours ago when I
myself needed to access this particular spreadsheet it had disappeared. I
checked on another Colleague's computer to make sure it was missing and then
began to search on the computer that the inputting had taken place. I am
certain that this was the only involvement with the spreadsheet all day.

When I attempted to open the spreadsheet from Documents (drop down box
beginning in start), a window opened saying that this file could not be
opened as it no longer existed as it has either been renamed, moved or
deleted.

It is not in the recylce bin - I cannot find it anywhere to recover. I do
not understand why this has happened!

 

[David Biddulph]

As it's very important, you've presumably got a backup copy?
If not, you will do next time. :-(

 

[Stephen]

Where is your backup?

 

[Rhianne]

As I did not orignally create the spreadsheet (I have only been with the
company a few months) I was unsure of whether there would be a back up.
Unfortunately I cannot find anything on our server - where I am assuming it
would be. I know that everythign on the server is backed up automatically
each night at midnight, so I can double check tomorrow. But what I do not
understand is how it could have "disappeared"?

 

[Stephen]

Are you sure your colleague (or someone else) didn't save it with another
name, or in another directory, or on another disc, or (more likely) move the
file into another directory? I've seen this sort of thing happen
"inadvertently", when people don't know about drag and drop in Windows
Explorer (or whatever).

 

[Dave Peterson]

Sometimes, people can move a file from one folder to another instead of opening
the file by double clicking on it. (Just a simple slip of the mouse might
result in an inadvertant move.)

I'd look on that same drive for the file--windows start button|Search.

It's happened more than once!

 

[David Biddulph]

I can't answer as to why it has disappeared, but files on servers are always
vulnerable (though, as in your case, they ought usually to be backed up
regularly).
To make sure that you've got a separate backup, use File/ Save As, then
under Tools/ General Options, tick "Always create backup".

 

[Ed Cones]

Is the backup tape changed daily? if not, get your hands on last night's
backup before it backs up over it tonight.

Try searching the server for Excel files saved today. If it was
inadvertently renamed or moved, maybe you'll find it that way.

 

[Rhianne]

Just to set everyone's mind at rest (lol), the spreadsheet has been
recovered. We used Friday's back up tape, so only needed to input a few
figures again.

Am still bemused how it happened - any suggestions please let me know!

 

[Dave Peterson]

Did you look for the file in other folders?

Just to set everyone's mind at rest (lol), the spreadsheet has been
recovered. We used Friday's back up tape, so only needed to input a few
figures again.

Am still bemused how it happened - any suggestions please let me know!

 

[Rhianne]

Yes I did. I spent a whole day searching files and folders - our technology
providers also searched our server but could not find it.