Can you recover a file if the software crashes unexpectedly in SolidWorks?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, you can often recover a file after a crash by using Auto-recover through the Document Recovery pane when the software restarts. This is the most common professional method because SolidWorks stores timed backup data automatically if recovery settings are enabled. Recovery is not guaranteed if Auto-recover was disabled or the last save interval was too long.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Auto-recovery only works if the file had already been saved at least once and the recovery option was enabled before the crash. A common failure is reopening and manually overwriting a damaged file before checking the recovered version, which can destroy the best available backup.

How to Recover a File After a Crash

  • Command: Auto-recover

  • Shortcut: None

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Reopen SolidWorks and check the Document Recovery pane that appears automatically after a crash.
    2. Select the recovered version of the part, assembly, or drawing and open it first before the original file.
    3. Use File > Save As and save the recovered file under a new name or location to avoid overwriting the damaged original.

  • Use the standard recovery options in Tools > Options > System Options > Backup/Recover.

  • Make sure Save auto-recover info every is enabled and set to a practical interval such as 10 minutes.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Tools > Options > System Options > Backup/Recover > Save auto-recover info every [X] minutes

  • Expert Setting: A shorter interval improves crash recovery but can slightly affect performance on large assemblies. Also verify the Auto-recover folder path is valid, local if possible, and writable; a broken network path can prevent recovery files from being created.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Very large assemblies or drawings may crash during rebuild before the latest auto-recover snapshot is fully written.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The recovery or backup folder may be on a locked network location, disconnected drive, or restricted Windows user path.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Auto-recover was disabled, the interval was too long, or the file was never manually saved before the crash.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Go to Tools > Options > System Options > Backup/Recover, enable Auto-recover, set a shorter interval, and confirm the recovery folder points to a valid local folder.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Auto-recover as a safety net, not as your primary file protection strategy. In production workflows, combine it with frequent manual saves, PDM/version control, and local backup paths for the most reliable recovery.

FAQ

Where are SolidWorks recovery files stored?
Usually in the folder defined under Tools > Options > System Options > Backup/Recover.

Can SolidWorks recover an unsaved new file after a crash?
Sometimes, but recovery is less reliable if the file was never saved manually.

Should I open the original file first after a crash?
No — open the recovered version first and save it as a new file.

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