One thing that could have gone wrong (majorly wrong, so cross your fingers this
isn't it!) is that you could have done your work in MSWord--not excel.

Can you open that file (better make a copy first!) in MSWord.

Open MSWord
file|open your workbook

If it opens ok here, then you may have saved it in MSWord--destroying the
"excelness" of your data.

You can copy and paste (into a new excel workbook) to save as much as you
can--but I'm hoping that you have a backup somewhere.



jonesteam wrote:
>
> I password protected an important file. My husband downloaded the Office
> 2003 upgrade last night. Now when I try to access the file I get this
> message...This is an Excel file, I don't know why it looks encrypted or why I
> can't access it.
>
> This file is not in a recognizable format.
>
> If you know the file is from another program which is incompatible with
> Microsoft Office Excel, click Cancel, then open this file in its orginal
> application. If you want to open the file later in Microsoft office Excel,
> save it in a format that is compatible, such as text format.
>
> If you suspect the file is damaged, click Help for moare information about
> solving the problem.
>
> If you still want to see what text is contained in the file, chlick OK.
> Then clieck Finish in the Text Import Wizard.

--

Dave Peterson