When AutoCAD’s Autosave function is enabled, it automatically creates backup files while working on a drawing. These backup files, with the .sv$ extension, are typically stored in the Windows temporary directory by default.
In the event of a data disaster, such as an unexpected AutoCAD crash, you can recover data from autosaved .sv$ files. To do this, locate the autosave file, change the .sv$ file extension to .dwg, and open it in AutoCAD. This file will hold all drawing data up until the most recent autosave.
If AutoCAD displays an error upon opening the renamed file, it indicates that the autosave file has also been corrupt or damaged as a result of the data disaster.
AutoCAD has a built-in “Recover” feature to recover corrupt or damaged autosave files:
- Start AutoCAD.
- Navigate to File > Drawing Utilities > Recover.
- In the Select File dialog box, select the corrupt file.
- The recovery results will be shown in the text window.
- If recovery is successful, the file will also open in the main window.
If AutoCAD is unable to recover the file, you can use DataNumen DWG Recovery to repair it.
Sample File:
Sample autosave file: sample_autosave.sv$