_XLS File – What is ._xls file and how to open it?

XLS File: Definition and History

XLS is a legacy file format used by Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet software application. It was introduced in the early versions of Excel and served as the primary file format for storing and exchanging spreadsheets until the introduction of the newer XLSX format in 2007. XLS files are characterized by their binary structure, which allows them to contain a wide range of data types, including text, numbers, formulas, and formatting. They also support the use of macros, which enable users to automate repetitive tasks within Excel.

Limitations of XLS Files

While XLS files have been widely used for spreadsheet management, they have certain limitations compared to the newer XLSX format. XLS files are not fully compliant with modern spreadsheet standards, making them less interoperable with other spreadsheet software applications. Additionally, the binary structure of XLS files can increase their susceptibility to data corruption and security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, XLS files have a smaller maximum file size capacity compared to XLSX files, limiting their ability to handle large datasets.

Understanding the ._XLS File Extension

The .XLS file extension is primarily associated with legacy Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which were introduced prior to the release of Microsoft Excel 2007. These files are no longer natively supported by modern versions of Excel, as Microsoft has transitioned to the newer .XLSX format. The .XLS file extension was introduced as a placeholder for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that had their original .XLS extensions renamed. This renaming typically occurs when these files are transferred between different operating systems or when they are processed by certain software applications.

Methods to Open ._XLS Files

To successfully open a ._XLS file, you will need to convert it back to its original .XLS format. This conversion can be performed using various methods:

• Manual Rename: The simplest method is to manually rename the file from ._XLS to .XLS. However, this may not work in all cases, especially if the file has been compressed or encrypted.

• Conversion Tools: There are several software tools available that can convert ._XLS files back to .XLS format. These tools include file converters, spreadsheet editors, and online services.

• Excel Recovery Utilities: In some cases, you may encounter corrupt or damaged ._XLS files. In such scenarios, utilizing Excel recovery utilities specifically designed to repair damaged Excel files can be effective in recovering the data and converting it to a usable .XLS format.

Once the file has been converted to .XLS, you can open it using Microsoft Excel or other compatible spreadsheet software applications. By following these steps, you can access and recover the valuable data stored in your renamed legacy Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.

XLS File History

XLS is a file extension associated with Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet application developed by Microsoft. Introduced in 1985 as part of the Microsoft Works suite, it became the standard file format for Excel until the release of Excel 2007, which introduced the newer XLSX format. XLS files are commonly used for storing and organizing data in a tabular format, with rows and columns representing data points and categories, respectively.

XLS File Features

XLS files support a wide range of data types, including text, numbers, formulas, and images. They also allow for customization of cell formatting, such as font, size, and color, enabling users to present data in a visually appealing manner. Additionally, XLS files offer features such as data sorting, filtering, and pivot tables, facilitating efficient data analysis and exploration. Despite their legacy status, XLS files remain compatible with newer versions of Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet applications, ensuring widespread accessibility and continued use.

Other Extensions