How to Open Recovery Window in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Recovery Window in AutoCAD

Experiencing data loss during a project can be frustrating, but AutoCAD provides a Recovery Window to help you regain access to unsaved or lost work. This feature is especially useful after unexpected shutdowns, crashes, or application errors.

Accessing the Recovery Window

To open the Recovery Window in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

1. Launch AutoCAD: Begin by opening the AutoCAD application on your computer.

2. Start with the Application Menu: Click on the File tab located in the upper left corner of the AutoCAD interface.

3. Select ‘Open’: In the drop-down menu, choose Open. This will typically display a list of your recent files.

4. Locate the “Recover” Option: At the bottom left of the Open dialog box, you will find an option labeled “Recover”. Click on this to initiate the Recovery Window.

5. Browse Recovery Files: The Recovery Window will present a list of files that AutoCAD has stored, including autosave files and backups. Files are usually indicated by a .sv$ extension for autosave or .bak for backups.

6. Choose Your Desired File: Scroll through the list to find the file you want to recover. Click on it to select.

7. Recover the File: After selecting the file, click the Open button. This process will load the selected recovery file into a new drawing session.

Recovering AutoCAD Files Manually

If the Recovery Window doesn’t display the files you were looking for, you can manually locate and recover your AutoCAD files:

1. Navigate to the File Location:

   • For Windows users, go to the AutoCAD Options dialog.
   • Under the Files tab, locate the Automatic Save File Location field to find the directory where your autosave files are stored.

2. Use the Command Line: You can type SAVEFILEPATH in the command line to view your autosave file path.

3. Explore the Folder: Open Windows Explorer to navigate to the folder you found in the previous step.

4. Look for Autosave Files: Look for files with the .sv$ extension. These are your autosave files that you can recover.

5. Change Extension: To use an autosave file, rename it by changing the file extension from .sv$ to .dwg.

6. Open the Renamed File in AutoCAD: Double-click the renamed .dwg file to open it in AutoCAD. Ensure to save it immediately to avoid further issues.

Working with Backup (.bak) and Lock (.dwl) Files

AutoCAD creates backup files automatically, which can also be a source for recovery:

1. Locate Backup Files: Find your .bak files in the same directory as the original .dwg file.

2. Rename the .bak File: Change the file extension of the .bak file to .dwg.

3. Open the Renamed Backup File: Use AutoCAD to open this file, and again, save it as a new drawing.

FAQs

What should I do if my AutoCAD file won’t open?
If a DWG file fails to open, check for corruption or version compatibility issues. Ensure you are using AutoCAD 2025 or higher.

How can I check for autosave settings in AutoCAD?
You can verify autosave settings by going to the Options menu. Under the Open and Save tab, ensure the Automatic Save option is checked, and set the time interval as desired.

Can I disable the autosave feature in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can disable autosave by navigating to the Options menu. Go to the Open and Save tab and uncheck the Automatic Save box. Adjusting the interval for saves will also impact this feature.