How to Open Recover File in AutoCAD?

Understanding AutoCAD Recovery Files

When working with AutoCAD, it’s crucial to know how to locate and access recovery files if something unexpected happens, like a crash or data loss. Recovery files can save you a lot of troubleshooting time.

Locating AutoCAD Recovery Files

To find the autosave locations on your system, follow these steps:

1. For Windows Users:

   • Open AutoCAD and navigate to the Options dialog box.
   • Click on the Files tab.
   • Inspect the Automatic Save File Location. This folder will guide you to where your autosave files are stored.
   • Alternatively, use the SAVEFILEPATH command in the command prompt to display the current autosave file path.
2. For Mac Users:
   • Open AutoCAD and go to the Preferences found under the Application menu.
   • You will find the autosave file location listed there.

Accessing the Drawing Recovery Manager

If you need to recover files, the Drawing Recovery Manager is your go-to tool. Here’s how to open it:

1. Click on the File menu.
2. Select Drawing Recovery Manager.
3. Alternatively, navigate to the Application Menu, select Manage, and then click on Drawing Recovery Manager.
4. If you prefer using the command line, type DrawingRecovery and hit Enter.
5. In the Drawing Recovery Manager interface, select a root file name, right-click and choose Open All, or simply double-click the root entry to open the needed files.

Recovering a Corrupt AutoCAD Drawing

If you suspect that your AutoCAD file is corrupt, you may follow these steps to attempt recovery:

1. Use the Drawing Recovery Manager as outlined above to find available recovery files.
2. If the file is not listed, navigate to your autosave locations and look for files ending in .sv$ or .bak.
3. Rename the .bak file to .dwg, then try to open it in AutoCAD.
4. If none of these work, consider using dedicated recovery tools designed for corrupted AutoCAD files.

Converting File Formats

If you need to convert a file format from SVS to DWG, follow these steps:

1. Install a conversion tool such as reaConverter.
2. Open the software and load the SVS files you wish to convert.
3. Choose a destination folder where the converted files will be saved.
4. Set the output file format to DWG.
5. Follow through with the conversion process, using any tutorials available for guidance if necessary.

Opening BAK Files

Understanding BAK files is essential for restoring previous versions of drawings. Here’s how you can open and utilize them:

1. Find the BAK file associated with your original DWG file.
2. Rename the file from .bak to .dwg.
3. Open AutoCAD and then open the newly renamed file.

Troubleshooting File Opening Issues

If you encounter the issue of not being able to open a DWG file, you might want to try the following:

1. Ensure that the version of AutoCAD you are using is compatible with the DWG file. An older version may not be able to open files saved in newer versions.
2. Check whether the DWG file is stored in a cloud storage service. Issues with syncing can prevent access.
3. Try opening the file with a different program that can handle DWG files or use a universal file viewer.

Changing DWG File Types

If you need to change the format of a DWG file, follow this method:

1. Open the relevant software (AutoCAD or any conversion tool).
2. Add the file(s) to the software interface using the designated button to add files.
3. Select the desired file format version to which you wish to convert.
4. Click on the Convert button to complete the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I do if AutoCAD crashes while working?
After a crash, immediately restart AutoCAD. It usually prompts you to recover any unsaved drawings through the Drawing Recovery Manager. Follow the steps to restore your work.

Q2: How can I locate missing files in AutoCAD?
Check the directory where your DWG files are saved for any files with a .bak extension. Rename it to .dwg to recover your lost work.

Q3: What actions can I take if a DWG file is corrupt?
Try using the Drawing Recovery Manager first. If that fails, locate autosave files or BAK files that can serve as backups. Tools specifically designed for file recovery may also offer solutions.