AutoCAD Tip: DWG Audit and Recovery Workflow

Corrupt DWGs happen—crashes, unstable add-ons, and messy imports are usual suspects. Build this quick, repeatable “audit and recover” routine to keep production moving.

Know the warning signs

• Sluggish saves/regens, random “Fatal Error,” or frequent crashes
• Objects that won’t select or vanish after reopen
• Odd proxy warnings after imports or Xref reloads

Triage on an open drawing (safe mode)

• Immediately SAVEAS to a new filename to preserve a fallback.
• Run AUDIT and choose “Yes” to fix errors. Set AUDITCTL=1 to create AUDIT.LOG for traceability.
• Run PURGE and -PURGE multiple times:
  • -PURGE All
  • -PURGE Regapps (clears bloated registered applications)
• Use OVERKILL to merge duplicates and clean geometry anomalies.
• Close and reopen after cleanup to clear cached issues.

Recover closed or crashed drawings

• RECOVER: Points to a DWG and attempts a fix before opening.
• RECOVERALL: Recovers the host file and all nested Xrefs in one pass.
• DRAWINGRECOVERY (or enable RECOVERYMODE=1): Opens the Drawing Recovery Manager after a crash to retrieve the most recent versions.
• Autosave and backups:
  • Find autosave files in SAVEFILEPATH with .SV$ extension; copy and rename to .DWG.
  • Ensure ISAVEBAK=1 to keep .BAK on each save; rename to .DWG when needed.

Handle Xrefs deliberately

• Run RECOVER on each attached Xref before reloading—bad Xrefs re-corrupt hosts.
• Temporarily DETACH the worst offenders; reattach once clean.
• If binding is required, bind only after all files pass AUDIT and PURGE.

Deep-clean strategies when errors persist

• WBLOCK out only the needed geometry into a new DWG (helps shed corruption and legacy baggage).
• Insert the problem file as a block into a fresh, standards-compliant template, then EXPLODE and re-AUDIT.
• DXF round-trip: DXFOUT then DXFIN to sanitize object dictionaries. Use with caution and always keep a backup.

Preventive settings

• Set SAVETIME to 10–15 minutes for autosave without constant interruptions.
• Keep templates clean: run periodic AUDIT, -PURGE (including Regapps), and OVERKILL on company DWTs.
• Vet add-ons and keep them updated; unstable plug-ins are a top corruption source.

Team workflow tips

• Standardize a recovery checklist and share it as a quick-reference PDF.
• Automate with a simple script (SCR) or AutoLISP to run AUDIT, -PURGE, and OVERKILL in sequence across multiple files.
• When deadlines loom, escalate to your CAD vendor for rapid assistance—NOVEDGE can advise on best practices, training, and reliable add-ons.

Pro tip: After every successful recovery, SAVEAS to a fresh filename, then eTransmit the set for archiving. This creates a clean, portable snapshot. For licenses, upgrades, and expert guidance, consult NOVEDGE. Need help selecting maintenance tools or add-ons that reduce corruption risk? Reach out to NOVEDGE for curated solutions.

You can find all the AutoCAD products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.