Have you ever been in a situation where your SolidWorks application unexpectedly crashes or shuts down, leaving you with unfinished work? Don’t worry, SolidWorks has got you covered with its Auto Recovery feature. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you on how to open an Auto Recovery file in SolidWorks and recover your unsaved work.
Step 1: Locating the Auto Recovery File
If SolidWorks crashes or closes unexpectedly, it automatically creates a backup of your work in the form of an Auto Recovery file. The first step is to locate this file on your computer. To do this:
- Step 1.1: Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
- Step 1.2: Navigate to the following directory: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\SolidWorks\SolidWorks Version\AutoRecover. Replace ‘YourUsername’ with your actual Windows username and ‘SolidWorks Version’ with the version of SolidWorks you are using.3: In the ‘AutoRecover’ folder, you will find one or more files with the extension ‘.sldprt’ for parts or ‘.sldasm’ for assemblies. These are your Auto Recovery files.
Step 2: Opening an Auto Recovery File
Once you have located the Auto Recovery file(s), follow these steps to open them in SolidWorks:
- Step 2.1: Launch SolidWorks on your computer.
- Step 2.2: Go to the ‘File’ menu and click on ‘Open’ or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + O.3: In the ‘Open’ dialog box, navigate to the directory where you found the Auto Recovery files.4: Select the Auto Recovery file you want to open and click on the ‘Open’ button.
Step 3: Saving your Recovered Work
After opening the Auto Recovery file in SolidWorks, it’s important to save your recovered work to avoid losing it again. Follow these steps to save your work:
- Step 3.1: Go to the ‘File’ menu and click on ‘Save As’ or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + S.
- Step 3.2: Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the file.3: Enter a filename for your recovered work and click on the ‘Save’ button.
Tips for Preventing Data Loss
Data loss can be frustrating, but there are a few steps you can take to prevent it in the future:
- Frequent Saving: Make it a habit to save your work regularly while working in SolidWorks. The more frequently you save, the less data you’ll lose if something goes wrong.
- Enable Auto Recovery: In SolidWorks, go to ‘Tools’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Backup/Recover’.
Check the box next to ‘Automatic Backup and Recovery’ and set an appropriate time interval for auto-saving.
- Use Reliable Hardware: Ensure that your computer meets the recommended system requirements for running SolidWorks smoothly. This can minimize crashes and unexpected shutdowns.
By following these steps, you can easily open an Auto Recovery file in SolidWorks and recover your unsaved work. Remember to save your recovered work after opening the file to prevent further data loss. Additionally, taking preventive measures can help minimize the chances of losing your work in the future.