topic Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program in AutoCAD Forum

Backup files are associated to wrong program

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 14:46:48 GMT

Hi, by mistake i selected my backup files to be open with a AutoCad software now my backup files are saving with out an extension and i'm unable to open it. So how can i change this option ? i already un-installed and re-installed still the backup files are saving in autocad application

Thanks,

Santhosh Kumar Vandanapu

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

imadHabash — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:02:17 GMT

Hi and Welcome to AutoDesk Forum,

right click the file and go for open with option.

Regards,

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:05:52 GMT

Thanks for the reply, when I clicked on the default program this is what it showing

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

imadHabash — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:15:29 GMT

Hi,

i get back and read your first post again :

>> with a AutoCad software now my backup files are saving with out an extension <<

if you mean that .BAK didn't appear then you have from windows explores options select the option for showing file extention.

>> ...and i'm unable to open it. <<

how and why you want open .BAK files ?!!!

please if you still need more help post your need with more details....:)

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

john.vellek — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 16:21:16 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

When you open Windows Explorer and browse to a folder, do you see file extensions on your other file types? If not, you can turn on the display of the extensions in Windows>Folder Options

Since you can't normally open a BAK file by double-clicking ti I am not sure there is anything you need to do.

However, I did read that if you search your Windows registry HKCU for .bak and delete the key, that the default will be restored when you logoff and then log back on. I would do this at your own risk and suggest that you make a backup of your registry before attempting this.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

chrisw — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:13:50 GMT

Good Morning.

I am having a similar problem. When trying to open by original file I get a pop-up saying "Drawing file is not valid." So I tried to go to Explorer and open the .bak file. I chose open with AutoCAD LT Application. FYI, I'm using AutoCAD LT 2018. I tried searching for AutoCAD DWG Launcher (which is an option I get with I choose open with on the dwg file) but nothing comes up. After doing this I tried making a copy of the file and changing the name and giving it the .bak extension. When I try to open that with AutoCAD LT Appication I get a pop-up that says "Cannot fine the specifice drawing file. Please verify that the network drive is available and the file exists." This all happened this morning. I was working in this file, I saved it, and then closed it (as well as all the programs I had open at the time)...I had to reset our server. After the reset I tried to open the dwg file and that is when I got the "invalid" pop-up. I am not having trouble opening any other files, just this one. And I tried to open it on a different computer but got the same "invalid" message. This file has a lot of needed drawings in it.

Please help!!

Sincerest thanks for any and all help.

Tracey

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

pendean — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:30:33 GMT

AutoCAd does not open BAK files: you have to change the extension to DWG then it will open.
I am going to assume you've not done this yet https://www.ricksdailytips.com/display-file-extensions-windows-10/

Otherwise... Post your DWG file here for others to examine and test.

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

chrisw — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:30:54 GMT

Thank you for your response.

I mistyped I did change the file extension to dwg not bak, my mistake.

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

pendean — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 17:48:59 GMT

Show us your BAK and DWG files, share them here with everyone.

Also remind everyone where exactly these where stored and when was the last time anyone opened them, using which application.

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

imadHabash — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 03:34:12 GMT

Hi @chrisw

please ... try to make a new post and attache your CAD dwg file for testing ?

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

chrisw — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:34:13 GMT

I have uploaded the .dwg file that is "invalid". This won't let me upload the backup file which I have renamed with a .dwg extension but it still says it is a BAK file in the "Type"column in Explorer.

The last time the .dwg file was opened and worked in (and saved) was yesterday morning (8-11-20 around 9am). I saved and closed the file and closed AutoCAD. I reset our server. When I came back to open the file is when I got the "invalid" message. All my other files are fine, it is just this one that I can't open.

The forum won't let me attach the .dwg file. When I hit "post" I get this message

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

cadffm — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:58:51 GMT

Try another service, like www.wetransfer.com

upload the file(s) and create a download LINK,

share the link and we will see.

(with no hope in this case, Sebastian)

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

chrisw — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 15:23:26 GMT

This is for www.wetransfer.com - https://we.tl/t-iGW24eaHAJ

I hope the link works.

Thanks.

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

chrisw — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 16:40:48 GMT

I got the .bak file to work. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 03:32:34 GMT

Hi did u solved it? mine still couldn't 😞

Re: Backup files are associated to wrong program

cadffm — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 11:24:17 GMT

Hi,

all what you need to know you can read above.. where you can't follow the steps?

Explorer: Turn on the File Extension option
Google for: How do I show file extensions in File Explorer?

Now you can see the file extension of the files and change it to *.dwg

1. It doesn't matter which program a * .BAK extension is linked to.

2. But if you want to change it (for no reason)
then link the extension with the EDITOR
(It can't do anything with the file either, just like AutoCAD)
-Right click on file
-Characteristics
-Open with -> Edit -> EDITOR