Then you're saying that the auto save feature is essentially worthless?  If true, then AutoCAD ought to just eliminate it.  Or, at least give a warning that it's totally unreliable.  This is very disappointing.  Fortunately, I'm retired and using AutoCAD more or less as a hobby.  The loss is costing me nothing but time.  Which, of course, isn't of much value for a retiree.     But thanks for your response -- and your time.