Finding backup files for deletion

[chris_pitt]

Does anyone know the correct search terms for use in Windows Explorer to find Revit model and family backups?  I know that the usual file format is, say, FileName.0001.rvt or FileName.0001.rvt and can find these in a folder easily.

However, as these build up over time and collegues forget to delete them I need to find a way to do it in bulk.  I thought a search term such as *.000#.rvt would do the job but it doesn't!

All help gratefully received.

Regards

Christopher Alan Pitt

Frank Shaw Associates

[markcalloway]

Hi @chris_pitt 

had a play, you may need a search for each backup:

*.0001.rvt

*.0002.rvt

*.0003.rvt

*.0004.rvt

*.0005.rvt

You could create a batch file to find and delete any of the above search results so you can run it with a click double click of a shortcut.

When it comes to searching and deleting files I would prefer not to trust the computer to not delete anything important by accident.

Maybe a manual search and cast your eyes over the results is safer if longer to do.

[ennujozlagam]

hello, maybe you can try this, please see attached. thanks

[markcalloway]

@chris_pitt 

You could also reduce the number of backups.

Go to Save As and click Options and change the number.

[Anonymous]

A quick Google search and you will find a bat script was shared years ago that was based on the original batch file that was included with the Revit installer.

https://www.revitforum.org/tutorials-tips-tricks/19685-remove-all-backup-files-your-library-easily.h...

[chris_pitt]

Thanks for the suggestions!

One of my more enterprising colleagues came up with the following search strings that appear to work:

*.000*.rvt

*.000*.rfa

[cad3]

try using something like the following....

*.0***.r??

🙂

[robward]

I have been using *.00*.rfa or *.00*.rvt for some time now and it seems to find most Revit project and family backup files.

This should find up to 99 files.