All about XLK Files

The XLK file type is primarily associated with Excel.

XLK	File extension: XLK
	File type:	excel backup file

What is an XLK file?

XLK files mostly belong to Excel by Microsoft Corporation. XLK file stores backup copy of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file. XLK file is a backup of the old version of the XLS file. User can recover corrupted or deleted XLS files with the help of XLK files. User can open XLK files in older version of Microsoft Excel.

How to open XLK files

You need a suitable software like Excel to open an XLK file. You need a suitable software like Excel from Microsoft Corporation to open an XLK file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your XLK file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a XLK file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online XLK File Viewer

Choose your .xlk file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from XLK files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

You can extract texts from XLK file or capture a preview screenshot using our online XLK file viewer:

Just click the "Choose your .xlk file to view" button on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Your file will be converted and downloaded.

What to Do When a .XLK File Fails to Open

Because .XLK files can be generated by different programs, they aren't universally openable with a single app.

Identify the Source: These files are typically created by office workers saving spreadsheet backups, strongly suggesting a Microsoft Office workflow.
Check the Header: Open the file in a hex editor to inspect its first bytes:
- D0 CF 11 E0: Indicates a legacy Microsoft Office document.
- PK: Suggests a zipped XML format, like a modern Excel backup.
- Plain text: May indicate a CSV or XML-based backup.
Use the Original Software: You will usually need the original program, such as Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, or Apple Numbers. If unsure, ask the sender.
Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your .XLK file into our viewer above to automatically detect its format, extract metadata, and preview its contents.

Technical Data for XLK File Extension

File classification:

Backup

Related files:

xlsx, xls, xlsm, iqy, dex

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office 2003\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE /e

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office10\EXCEL.EXE /e

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE /e

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE /e

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office_XP\Office10\EXCEL.EXE /e

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\office97\Office\excel.exe /e

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\OfficeXP\Office10\EXCEL.EXE /e

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office 2007\Office12\EXCEL.EXE /e

ProgramID: Excel.Backup
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office2007\Office12\EXCEL.EXE /e

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an xlk excel backup file is a special file format by Microsoft Corporation and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with XLK files

Associate the XLK file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open excel backup files. Because only the current version supports the latest XLK file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft Corporation manufacturer website after an available Excel update.
To make sure that your XLK file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .XLK file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.