Autocad2005 Lost files

I have been working on a drawing for some time and somehow, I have
managed to lose it so that both the .dwg file and the .bak file are
blank sheets. I had saved the .dwg file several times and I am sure
that the loss of files occurred within one or two save backups. Does
the save/backup process extend to several levels? Is it possible to
delve into the computer to retrieve the files?
Both the .dwg and .bak files are visible on the hard disk and I am not
sure how I managed to wipe them.
Thanks in anticipation, Ken Rock

 

Hi Brian,
Many thanks for the fast response.
Unfortunately, I cannot find the .sv$ extension on the HDD. Does this
mean I've lost it for ever?
Regards, Ken Rock

 

Ken,
Search your HD for files with an extension of ac$, there may be quite
a few depeneding on how long you have been using your install of
AutoCAD. the extension ac$ is the file extension for the auto save
setting. The file names of the auto save files may be different then
what you name the drawing files. When you find the ac$ files rename
the extension .dwg and you should be able to open the files to see
what they are.

Daryl

 

When I read about using the autosave file to fix Brian's problem, I'm
not sure it would work for this reason:

1. Brian opens drawing with tons of useful informatoin on it.
2. Brian accidently deletes all the entities but one green line.
3. Brian goes to get a cup of coffee and stops to chat with the cute
secretary upstairs for around 15 minutes. Brians autosave interval is
10 min.
4. Brian returns to his computer and saves and exits.
5. Brian's sv$ file only has a red line it now, right?

Am I wrong? If yes, why?

 

Make sure the file search software is set to find System and Hidden
files <grin>.

 

Ted,

You are correct, however if he closes the drawing, but doesn't save changes
he should still have the file with all data.

On the other hand using explorer go to the file, right click and select
properties. It should provide a tab with previous versions. Selecting that
will bring up previously saved file. Then select restore or copy.

Robin