How Do I Restore a DWG File in AutoCAD?

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How Do I Restore a DWG File in AutoCAD?

Accidentally deleting or losing an important DWG file can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, AutoCAD provides several methods to restore your DWG files and recover your work. In this tutorial, we will explore different approaches to restore a DWG file in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Backup File

If you have enabled the backup feature in AutoCAD, there’s a good chance that a copy of your lost DWG file is available as a backup. Follow these steps to restore your file:

  1. Locate the backup folder on your computer. By default, it is located in the same directory as your original DWG file.
  2. In the backup folder, look for files with the “.bak” extension.
  3. Select the most recent backup file and rename it by changing the extension from “.bak” to “.dwg”.
  4. Open AutoCAD and navigate to the location where you saved the renamed file.
  5. Double-click on the restored DWG file to open it in AutoCAD.

Method 2: Using the Drawing Recovery Manager

If you don’t have a backup or if it doesn’t contain the latest changes to your DWG file, you can try using AutoCAD’s Drawing Recovery Manager. Here’s how:

  1. In AutoCAD, go to the “File” menu and select “Drawing Utilities”.
  2. Click on “Recover” from the drop-down menu.
  3. In the Drawing Recovery Manager dialog box, locate your lost DWG file from the list of available files.
  4. Select the file and click on “Open”.
  5. AutoCAD will attempt to recover your file and open it for you.

Method 3: Using Third-Party File Recovery Tools

If the above methods fail to restore your DWG file, you can consider using third-party file recovery tools. These tools are designed to recover deleted or lost files from storage devices. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Stellar Data Recovery.

Note: When using third-party recovery tools, it’s important to follow their instructions carefully to maximize the chances of successful file restoration.

Conclusion

Accidentally losing a DWG file can be a daunting experience, but with the right methods and tools, you can restore your work in AutoCAD. Start by checking the backup folder for a copy of your lost file.

If that doesn’t work, try using AutoCAD’s Drawing Recovery Manager. And if all else fails, consider using third-party file recovery tools. Remember to regularly back up your files to prevent future data loss.