Autocad drawing file changed as read only while working

[Anonymous]

The autocad drawing file automatically changed as read only file while working on it.

Eventhough after the file changed as read only , so I save as the read only file with another file name.

After this I opened the existing file, the file can't open & it shows error as invalid file.

I attached the error message screenshot with the sample drawing file please check with that

And give me a solution as soon as possible.

I Worked in Autocad Mechanical 2013.

[cheryl.buck]

Hi @Anonymous,

Thank you for providing the file as well as the software version. I have run some recovery processes and checked the file for content. I am very sorry to say it appears your file is corrupted. I am providing a Autodesk Knowledge Network (AKN) article that gives suggestions on how to recover a corrupted file if you would like to try them on your system as well. You may have better results since the recovery file is still on your system. 

Error: "Drawing file is not valid" when opening a file in AutoCAD

How to repair corrupt AutoCAD files

If you do not have a backup to recover from, and an AutoCAD Mechanical crash caused the corruption, you could check your autosave folder location which can be found:

• In OPTIONS
• Under the Files tab
• Under Automatic Save File Location

The extension for autosave files is sv$. 

Understanding AutoCAD backup and autosave files

All the best.

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

[This post has been edited for clarity by cheryl.buck]

[Anonymous]

Hi @cheryl.buck

We already aware of the recover option.

All the files are frequently corrupted not only for a single user it almost for 12 users told the same issue in a single organization.

Note: The previous saved files are also corrupted.

          They all are open those files in a centralized server & they work.

1.What is the reason for the corruption?

2.why it change as read only file while working?

3.And also not automatically generated the .BAK in the destination location?

Please gave me a solution .

[cheryl.buck]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am very sorry you have had so many corrupted files. I can only imagine how frustrating that is.

Given the complexity of your system, I am not able to give a definitive reason for the file corruption. However since this is occurring for so many users, the corruption is likely occurring as the files are being delivered across the network.

The most common causes of this tend to be:

• Inconsistent network connection, even very mild inconsistencies.
• A WIFI or wired network with with heavy traffic.
• Aging hard drives on the server.
• Damaged or old patch cables (this is much more common than most users realize especially if under feet or chairs).
• Computers running on low power anywhere on the network can cause chatter in switches and hubs.

Drawings that switch to Read Only status while in use, are a common occurrence with files that are saved on network servers. It is usually the result of multiple users accessing the file, or a server that is trying to catch up on processing changes. The server, not AutoCAD Mechanical (see the AKN article below), will lock the file until the changes have been completed. I have seen this take upwards of 15 minutes on a particularly busy network, and occasionally they do get stuck. When this happens, I usually do as you did, Save As and replace the file at a later time.  

File locking no longer controlled by AutoCAD software

I also found this article that may clarify the issue a little more:

DWG Files unexpectedly become read-only in AutoCAD

Backup files (BAK) are created in the same folder as the drawing files (DWG) by default. If this is not occurring, check that Backups are turned on in OPTIONS or the ISAVEBAK system variable is set to 1. Because your users are experiencing other symptoms that indicate a network connection issues, it would not be unexpected for backups to fail when the connection is dropped or skips. 

I recommend reaching out to your IT person, they should be able to track down the cause of these issues.

All the very best,  

[This post has been edited for clarity by cheryl.buck: additional content added]

[cheryl.buck]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post helped you with your problem.

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

All the best.