How to Open Autosave File in AutoCAD 2006?

Accessing Autosave Files in AutoCAD 2025

Finding and opening autosave files in AutoCAD can be essential, especially after unexpected shutdowns or crashes. Autosave ensures that your work is not permanently lost by periodically saving your drawing to temporary files. Below are detailed steps on how to locate and open these files effectively.

Step-by-Step Process to Open an Autosave File

Step 1: Navigate to the Temporary Files Directory

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type %temp% and hit Enter. This will bring up the Temp folder where AutoCAD usually saves its autosave files.

Step 2: Search for the Autosave File

1. Look through the files in the Temp folder for any file that has a similar name to your original drawing.
2. Identify files ending with the .sv$ extension, which indicates they’re autosave files. Note the timestamps to ensure you select the most recent file.

Step 3: Rename the File

1. Once you’ve found the appropriate .sv$ file, right-click on it and choose ‘Rename.’
2. Change the file extension from .sv$ to .dwg. Make sure that your system settings allow you to see and change file extensions.

Step 4: Open the Renamed File in AutoCAD

1. Launch AutoCAD.
2. Go to the “File” menu and select “Open.”
3. Locate the renamed file in its directory and select it to open. Your drawing should now load, reflecting the last autosave version.

Converting Autosave Files to DWG Format

If you need to save the autosaved file in a more accessible format for future use:

1. After opening the autosave file as mentioned above, go to the “File” menu.
2. Select “Save As.”
3. In the dialog box, choose a directory, and save it as a .dwg file for regular usage.

Recovering Unsaved Files in AutoCAD 2025

If you were working on a file and didn’t save it at all, you might still be able to recover it:

1. Open AutoCAD and go to the “Options” from the menu.
2. Click on the “Files” tab and look for the “Automatic Save File Location.”
3. Use Windows Explorer to navigate to that folder, where you may find files with .ac$ or .bak extensions.
4. Rename these files to .dwg, then attempt to open them in AutoCAD.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check the autosave settings in AutoCAD?
To check autosave settings, go to the “Options” dialog, under the “Files” tab, look for “Automatic Save” settings. Here, you can adjust the time interval and file location.

Are autosave files automatically deleted?
Yes, by default, autosave files are deleted once AutoCAD is closed normally. If AutoCAD crashes or is closed unexpectedly, these files may remain in the Temp folder until manually deleted.

What should I do if I can’t find the autosave file?
If you cannot find the autosave file in the Temp folder, consider checking other designated folder locations in the AutoCAD settings. Additionally, ensure hidden files are visible in your folder options, as some files may be hidden by default.