Understanding Overwritten Files in AutoCAD
Accidentally saving over a file in AutoCAD can be frustrating, but there are methods to attempt recovery of your work. When a file is overwritten, the original content may still be retrievable under certain conditions. This guide outlines the steps to take for recovering an overwritten file in AutoCAD.
Step 1: Locate the Backup File
AutoCAD automatically generates a backup file with a .bak extension whenever you save your work. To recover from an overwrite, begin by searching for the most recent .bak file. Navigate to the folder where you last saved your original drawing, and check for any corresponding .bak files there. If you can’t find it, consider searching your entire system for .bak files.
Step 2: Rename the Backup File
Once you locate the .bak file, you will need to rename it to a .dwg format to open it in AutoCAD. Right-click on the .bak file, select ‘Rename,’ and change the file extension from .bak to .dwg. Ensure that you have the file name set appropriately so that it can be easily identified when opened in AutoCAD.
Step 3: Open the Renamed File in AutoCAD
After renaming the .bak file, launch AutoCAD. Use the ‘Open’ command, and navigate to the location of your renamed .dwg file. Open this file as you would any regular drawing. If the file successfully opens, review the drawing to ensure that it retains your work prior to the overwrite.
Step 4: Check for Autosaved Versions
If renaming the backup file does not yield the desired results, explore the possibility of retrieving an autosaved version. AutoCAD includes a built-in feature that saves your work at predetermined intervals. To find these autosave files, go to the ‘Options’ dialog in AutoCAD, and check the ‘Automatic Save File Location.’ Use the specified path to locate any autosaved files, which usually have a .sv$ extension.
Step 5: Recover from the Autosave File
Similar to the backup file recovery process, you will need to rename autosave files to .dwg format. After locating an autosave file, right-click and rename the .sv$ file to .dwg. Then, open the file in AutoCAD and verify if it contains the needed data.
Step 6: Utilize AutoCAD Recovery Manager
If previous steps do not lead to recovery, consider using the AutoCAD Recovery Manager. Access it by clicking on the ‘Application’ button and navigating to ‘Drawing Utilities’ followed by ‘Open Drawing Recovery Manager.’ Here, AutoCAD will display any recoverable files from recent sessions that may include saved work prior to the overwrite.
FAQ
1. What should I do if I cannot find .bak or .sv$ files?
If no backup or autosave files can be located, consider checking your system’s settings to ensure that the autosave feature is enabled. It is also advisable to regularly save your work manually and maintain several versions of significant files to prevent future data loss.
2. Is it possible to recover an overwritten file without a backup?
Recovering an overwritten file without a backup can be challenging. Try using third-party data recovery software, but success is not guaranteed. Preventative practices, such as regular manual saves and enabling file history in Windows, can help reduce the risk of losing important data.
3. How frequently does AutoCAD save backups automatically?
The default autosave interval in AutoCAD can be set in the options. Users can adjust the SAVETIME variable to save automatically at intervals as short as one minute, offering more frequent protection against data loss during sessions.
