### Understanding AutoCAD’s Autosave Feature
AutoCAD includes a robust Autosave feature designed to automatically save your work at predetermined intervals. This functionality provides a safety net by minimizing the potential for data loss, particularly during unexpected events like power outages or program crashes. To adjust the Autosave settings, navigate to the Options menu, where you can specify the frequency of autosaves in minutes.
### Locating AutoCAD Autosave Files
By default, Autosave files are stored in the Windows temporary files directory, specifically under `%temp%`. To locate these files, follow these steps:
1. **Access the Temporary Files**: Press `WIN + R` to open the Run dialog box.
2. **Type in the Path**: Enter `%temp%` and hit Enter.
3. **Identify Autosave Files**: Look for files that have the `.sv$` extension, which indicates they are recent autosave files.
### Steps to Recover Unsaved AutoCAD Files
If you need to recover an unsaved AutoCAD file, follow this detailed approach:
1. **Navigate to the Temporary Files**:
– Open Windows Explorer or File Explorer.
– Type `%temp%` in the address bar to quickly access the temp folder.
2. **Check for Autosave Files**:
– Look for files with the extension `.sv$`.
– Sort the files by date to find the most recent version of your drawing.
3. **Rename the File**:
– Right-click on the identified `.sv$` file and select “Rename”.
– Change the extension from `.sv$` to `.dwg`.
4. **Open the Renamed File**:
– Double-click the renamed file to open it in AutoCAD. If the file is intact, it should open normally for editing.
### Recovering Backup Files in AutoCAD
AutoCAD also creates backup files, typically with a `.bak` extension. These files can aid in recovery if the original file is lost or corrupted. To recover a backup file:
1. **Locate the BAK File**:
– Use Windows Explorer to access the folder where your original AutoCAD drawing is saved.
– Look for any files with the `.bak` extension that corresponds to your drawing.
2. **Rename the File**:
– Right-click on the identified `.bak` file.
– Select “Rename” and change the extension from `.bak` to `.dwg`.
3. **Open the Converted File**:
– Launch AutoCAD and open the renamed `.dwg` file to restore your work.
### Using the Drawing Recovery Manager
For a more organized approach to recover files, AutoCAD provides the Drawing Recovery Manager:
1. **Open the Manager**:
– Access the Drawing Recovery Manager by using the command line or searching in AutoCAD.
2. **Review Backup Files**:
– Under the “Backup Files” section, you’ll see a list of available backup and recovery files.
– Double-click on a desired drawing file to attempt recovery or to open it directly.
### FAQs
**1. Where are my AutoCAD autosave files typically stored?**
Autosave files are generally stored in the `%temp%` directory on Windows. You can access this by typing `%temp%` in the Run dialog box.
**2. What should I do if I can’t find my autosave or backup files?**
If you can’t locate your files, ensure that you have the file extensions set to be visible. You can adjust this in File Explorer Options to show hidden files and extensions.
**3. How can I modify the automatic save interval in AutoCAD?**
To change the autosave interval, open the Options menu within AutoCAD, navigate to the “Open and Save” tab, and adjust the “Minutes Between Saves” setting.
