Recover scene files after a crash

Sometimes when working, Maya may get into a state that causes it to close unexpectedly (aka: a crash). This can result from either a problematic interaction with the operating system, or by the user's direct actions. In either case, Maya will attempt the following actions:

• It will save a version of the file you're working on in the recovery folder.
• It will save a log file detailing the events leading up to the crash.
• It will display the Crash Report Window.

From the Crash Report Window, you can quickly navigate to both the recovery file and log file via their given links, as well as restart Maya (via the Reopen button), or simply dismiss the dialog (via the OK button). Either way, Maya will then display an Error Report dialog box, where you can add additional details before submitting the crash report to the Maya team for investigation.

The first time you start a new Maya session after crashing, it will present you with a link to the recovery file in two places:

• At the top of the Recent files list in Application Home.
• At the top of the File > Recent Files menu.

We recommend that you open this file and inspect it, then re-save it to another location. The recovery file will not appear in these lists on subsequent restarts (though the recovery file itself will continue to exist in the recovery folder). You can also open the crash log or otherwise navigate the file as you would with any other recent file in Application Home.

Note: If you start Maya without Application Home appearing (either having disabled it or by double-clicking a scene file), Maya will display an overlay in the top-left corner prompting you to find the recovery file by opening Application Home manually.

Related topics

• Locating recovery data