Excel has a feature called AutoRecover that allows you to save a workbook automatically at a preset time interval. Every time a file is saved, a backup copy will first be saved using the previously saved copy of the workbook, and the current information will be saved to the original workbook. Follow these steps to enable AutoRecover.

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
2. Click on the Save tab.
3. Select the Save AutoRecover info every check box.
4. In the minutes box, type or select a number to specify the interval for how often you want to save files.

This way if there is a system failure, or Excel stops responding, the recovery file will be available the next time you restart Excel.

When you start Excel after a previous failure, you will see a document recovery pane at the left side of the screen and your original and recovered files will be listed there. You will then have the choice to select which one you want to keep.

Notes:

1. The default location for the recovery file is as follows:

Applies to: Excel 2003