Understanding Autosave Files in AutoCAD
Autosave files, with the SV$ extension, are automatically created by AutoCAD to help users recover unsaved work after unexpected shutdowns or crashes. These files serve as a safety net, ensuring that your hard work is not completely lost.
Locating Autosave Files
To convert an autosave file to a DWG format, the first step is finding where these autosave files are stored. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key and type "%temp%" to open the Temporary files directory. This location is where AutoCAD stores autosave files by default.
- In the Temp folder, search for files that match the name of your project with a time-stamped code and the SV$ extension.
Changing the File Extension
Once you’ve located the autosave file you wish to convert, you need to change its extension:
- Right-click the identified SV$ file.
- Select "Rename" from the context menu.
- Carefully replace the “.sv$” part of the filename with “.dwg”. Ensure the name remains identical except for the extension change.
This is a critical step as it transforms the file into a recognized format that AutoCAD can open.
Opening the Newly Renamed DWG File
After converting the autosave file, the next step is to open it in AutoCAD:
- Launch AutoCAD normally.
- Click on the Application menu, typically represented by a red "A" at the top-left of the interface.
- Select the "Open" option from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to the folder where you renamed the autosave file.
- Choose the file with the DWG extension and click "Open".
If everything went smoothly, you should see your work in AutoCAD, allowing you to continue from where you left off.
Ensuring Future Safety with Autosave
Consider adjusting the settings for autosave in AutoCAD to minimize the risk of losing future work. This can be done by:
- Going to the ‘Options’ menu.
- Finding the ‘Open and Save’ tab.
- Adjusting the autosave interval to your preference (e.g., every 5 or 10 minutes).
- Making sure the automatic save location is appropriately set.
Regularly checking and configuring these settings can greatly enhance your experience in AutoCAD.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I recover unsaved AutoCAD files if they were not autosaved?
If the file was not autosaved and you have not saved your work at all, recovery options are limited. File recovery software may help, though success is not guaranteed.
2. What happens to my autosave files when I close AutoCAD?
Autosave files are typically deleted once you properly close AutoCAD. If they were converted to DWG files, they remain accessible in the location you saved them.
3. How do I make sure my AutoCAD is set to autosave?
Ensure that the autosave feature is enabled by navigating to the ‘Options’ menu, then to the ‘Open and Save’ tab. Look for the autosave settings and verify that it’s active with an appropriate interval set.
