When AutoCAD file is corrupted, you can take the following steps to try to restore: 1. Check the automatic backup of the file, check whether there is a .bak or .sv$ file in the folder where the original .dwg file is located, and rename the .bak file to .dwg to open it; 2. Use the RECOVER command to try to repair the file, and if it fails, use the -OPEN command to open the file for partial recovery; 3. Use third-party tools such as DataNumen DWG Repair, Recovery Toolbox for DWG, etc. to deal with seriously damaged files. To prevent future corruption, you should save regularly and use Save As to refresh the file structure, keep software updated, avoid saving through network drives, enable automatic save and set short intervals, and use AUDIT commands to check for problems regularly.
Sometimes AutoCAD files get corrupted, and when that happens, it can be stressful—especially if you're on a deadline. The good news is, there are several methods that often help recover your work without losing too much progress.

Check the Automatic Backup Files
AutoCAD has a built-in feature that creates backup (.bak) and automatic save (.sv$) files. These aren't enabled by default in every setup, but many users or companies configure them for added protection.

- Look in the same folder where your original .dwg file was saved
- You might see a file with the same name but ending in
.bak
or.sv$
- Rename the
.bak
file to.dwg
, and it should open normally in AutoCAD - If you find an
.sv$
file, check the "Autosave" location in AutoCAD under Options > Files > Automatic Save File Location
This doesn't always give you the most recent version, but it's usually better than nothing.
Use the RECOVER Command
AutoCAD includes a recovery tool called RECOVER
. It's not perfect, but it's one of the first things to try when a file won't open properly.

- Type
RECOVER
in the command line and press Enter - Select the corrupted file
- Let the program scan and attempt to fix issues
- Sometimes layers or objects may be missing afterward, so double-check everything
If RECOVER fails, you can also try opening the file using the -OPEN
command (with a dash), which bypasses some startup routines and sometimes lets you access the file enough to salvage parts of it.
Try Third-Party Recovery Tools
If the built-in tools don't work, there are third-party programs designed specifically for recovering corrupted DWG files. Some are free, while others cost money, but they can offer more advanced scanning and repair options.
Popular ones include:
- DataNumen DWG Repair – Often recommended for serious corruption cases
- Recovery Toolbox for DWG – Simple interface, works well for modernly damaged files
- CNC Software DWG Recovery – Another solid option, especially for older DWG versions
Make sure to download these from official or trusted sources to avoid malware. Also, keep in mind that success depends on how badly the file is damaged.
Prevent Future Corruption
Prevention isn't foolproof, but it helps reduce the risk. Here are a few habits that make a difference:
- Save frequently and use “Save As” occasionally to refresh the file structure
- Keep your AutoCAD software updated
- Avoid saving over network drives whenever possible; local saves are more stable
- Enable autosave and set it to a short interval (like every 10 minutes)
- Regularly audit your drawings using the
AUDIT
command to catch small issues before they become big
Basic precautions like these go a long way in avoiding future headaches.
Basically that's it. Recovering a corrupted AutoCAD file takes a bit of patience and knowing where to look. Start with the easiest options like RECOVER and backup files, and move to more advanced tools only if needed.
The above is the detailed content of How to recover a corrupted AutoCAD file?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Hot AI Tools

Undress AI Tool
Undress images for free

Undresser.AI Undress
AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover
Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Clothoff.io
AI clothes remover

Video Face Swap
Swap faces in any video effortlessly with our completely free AI face swap tool!

Hot Article

Hot Tools

Notepad++7.3.1
Easy-to-use and free code editor

SublimeText3 Chinese version
Chinese version, very easy to use

Zend Studio 13.0.1
Powerful PHP integrated development environment

Dreamweaver CS6
Visual web development tools

SublimeText3 Mac version
God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)

Hot Topics

To transfer the Adobe Acrobat license to a new computer, you must first log out on the old device and release the activation permission, and then complete the activation with the new computer login account. The specific steps are: 1. Open Acrobat on the old computer and click on the avatar or "Help" > "Log out" to log out; 2. Download and install Acrobat for the new computer and log in with the original account to automatically identify the license; 3. If the activation fails, check the network, clear the cache, unbind the old device through the Adobe account page, or contact customer service to solve the problem. The key point is to ensure that the old device has been logged out, clear the local cache and update the online device list before the migration can be completed smoothly.

The steps to create a custom brush in Photoshop are as follows: 1. Select a pattern with clear edges and suitable for brushes, such as hand-painted textures or photo parts, and adjust it to the appropriate size; 2. Use the "Magic Wand Tool" or "Quick Selection Tool" to remove the background to ensure that the pattern is in an independent selection; 3. Create a basic brush through "Edit > Define Brush Presets"; 4. Adjust the parameters such as "Shape Dynamic", "Scatter", "Text" and "Transfer" in the "Brush" panel to make the strokes more natural; 5. Finally, click "Save As Brush" to save as a .abr file for convenience of subsequent use and sharing.

Photoshop's quick selection tool is suitable for selecting areas with similar colors and clear boundaries. The usage methods include: 1. Find and activate the tool, right-click or long-press to switch or press the shortcut key W to ensure that the layer is unlocked; 2. Adjust the brush size, combine the Alt or Option key to switch the selection mode, Shift key to add selection, and improve accuracy through the option bar setting sampling method; 3. Use the "Select the Subject" function to assist in selection, and then manually optimize edge details, especially suitable for portraits or product images.

When AutoCAD file is corrupted, you can take the following steps to try to restore: 1. Check the automatic backup of the file, check whether there is a .bak or .sv$ file in the folder where the original .dwg file is located, and rename the .bak file to .dwg to open it; 2. Use the RECOVER command to try to repair the file, and if it fails, use the -OPEN command to open the file for partial recovery; 3. Use third-party tools such as DataNumenDWGRepair, RecoveryToolboxforDWG, etc. to deal with seriously damaged files. To prevent future damage, you should save regularly and use "Save As" to refresh the file structure, keep the software updated, avoid saving through network drives, enable automatic save and set up

Remote Desktop connection problems can be checked through the following steps: 1. Check the network and firewall settings to ensure that the TCP3389 port is open; 2. Confirm that the remote desktop function is enabled and supported by non-home version systems; 3. Verify user permissions and belong to the "RemoteDesktopUsers" group or administrator; 4. Handle black screen or lag, adjust the display options or restart the remote computer. Check them one by one in order, and most problems can be solved.

To remove PDF password protection, use Adobe AcrobatPro and have the document owner password. The steps include: 1. Open Adobe AcrobatPro and select a password-protected PDF file; 2. Enter the correct owner password; 3. Go to "Tools" > "Protection" > "Encryption" > "Remove Security"; 4. Click "OK" in the pop-up window to confirm the removal. If AcrobatPro is not available, you can ask others for assistance or use third-party decryption tools, but you need to pay attention to privacy risks. Common problems include invalid password, grayed out security settings, and prompting for passwords after removal. The solution is to check password input, try to convert file formats, or update software versions. If it cannot be resolved, please contact A

The magnetic lasso tool is suitable for images with obvious edge contrast. The key points include: 1. Use the shortcut key L or select the tool from the tool group. After clicking the starting point along the edge of the object, slowly move the mouse, and the tool will automatically absorb and add anchor points; 2. In terms of parameter settings, the width is recommended to be set to 10~30, and the edge contrast is default. The higher the frequency, the more anchor points; 3. In actual application, other tools can be replaced in the blurred edges. Zooming the image will help with accurate selection. If necessary, the anchor points can be adjusted manually. Mastering these skills can effectively improve the efficiency of the selection.

Adobe Photoshop does not have a permanent free version, but can be legally used in the following ways: 1. The official website provides a 7-day free trial, complete functions but automatic renewal is required; 2. Use a simplified version based on the browser (Beta), which supports basic editing functions; 3. Students or teachers can obtain a full-featured version through the school education plan; 4. Consider alternative software such as GIMP, Photopea, Krita or Canva Pixlr to meet daily needs. The above methods can meet the needs of different users and ensure legal and compliant use.
