Auto save function.

DugsBugs wrote on 12/22/2019, 2:20 AM

Hi all.
This topic may have come up before.
I have always been aware of the auto save setting in VPX but I have avoided it because of crashing in earlier versions.
After trying it again, I am damned if I can work out how to open the saved BAK file.
I did a test by making a change in the project and waiting for the auto save to kick in then closing the project without saving again after the normal prompt.
On re opening, I find the change has not been saved.
I know where the BAK file is but what do I do with it.
Seems pointless having an auto save that doesn't save to the project file like most normal programs.
Why not save to the same place as if you are doing it manually.
Doug.

Comments

johnebaker wrote on 12/22/2019, 5:24 AM

@DugsBugs

Hi Doug

Is File, Load Backup project not working or displaying a blank dialog?

The dialog should find all BAK files it knows of, however if it is empty use the Folder icon in the dialog to loacate where they are.

. . . . Seems pointless having an auto save that doesn't save to the project file like most normal programs . . . .

As the backup is a rotating system and retains the last 10 backups of a project - if you get that far - if it continuously overwrote the project file any failure/crash would result in losing that project file and all your work.

Most programs I know of, that have an autosave (backup) function, write to a single temporary file which is then written back to the real file when you click Save. This is not as secure as the rotating backup in VPX and other Magix programs.

. . . . Why not save to the same place as if you are doing it manually . . . .

The only BAK file that is not saved to the same location as an already saved project is the first Autosave_MV that is created when you start a new project and do not save it before the auto save writes the backup. Once you have saved a project the BAK files get the same name and are in the same folder as the named project as you can see below

HTH

John EB

DugsBugs wrote on 12/22/2019, 6:11 AM

@johnebaker
Thanks John.
I've tested what you say and I can load a BAK file on a new test project but when I make a change to an existing project and wait for auto save, it creates the BAK file ok but when I close the project and choose not to save as if it has crashed, the BAK file disappears and nothing can be loaded.
My slideshow maker auto saves and asks if I want to load the saved project in the event of a crash.
Final cut doesn't even ask to save when closing a project. It just does it.
I am in the habit of saving on a regular basis so never lose much.
Doug

DugsBugs wrote on 12/22/2019, 6:34 AM

@johnebaker
Very interesting the BAK file only remains if the program crashes (tested by shutting down in task manager) but not when I close it normally and choose not to save project if that makes sense.
Auto save settings don't seem to be remembered either until the project is saved with that setting sellected. I don't know if this is a bug or normal practice.
Anyway, I think I have it worked out.
Doug

johnebaker wrote on 12/22/2019, 9:03 AM

@DugsBugs

Hi Doug

. . . . Very interesting the BAK file only remains if the program crashes (tested by shutting down in task manager) but not when I close it normally and choose not to save project if that makes sense . . . .

Never noticed that before, however it does make sense - if you do not want to save the changes then the backup is not needed - it may have those changes that you did not want to keep.

Microsoft Word does the same - creates a temporary file while working and, if you decide to not to save it, deletes the temp file.

The Auto save settings are stored in the Video_Pro_x.ini file (about line 100), if you change the auto save time and many other program settings this is not written back to the ini file until you close the program - you will probably notice this more if you changed the mp4 export codec from Default to MainConcept or vice versa - you get a message to restart the program for this to take effect.

HTH

John EB

DugsBugs wrote on 12/22/2019, 6:43 PM

@johnebaker
Hi John.
I think I have it sorted now.
Not sure I understand why it needs to create 10 bak files to keep overwriting them from the 1st one.
One file would be sufficient and keep overwriting that one and in the event of a crash, you can then save the backup as you normally would with the project.
Just my opinion.
Thanks again.
Doug

KBL wrote on 1/28/2020, 12:06 PM

I have had crashes recently and lost over 2 hours of work. Are they because of the auto-save? Man! I now click on Save every couple of minutes.

DugsBugs wrote on 1/28/2020, 3:15 PM

@KBL
Hi Kevin.
I don't know if it's because of the auto save but I know I stopped using it years ago because it would sometimes freeze if I was in the middle of a maneuver and the auto save kicked in.
Now I am in the habit of saving on a regular basis.
The restore project function when the program reopens has been working for me in the rare event of a crash but it's not a guarantee.
I have mentioned my slideshow program lets me restore the project after a crash so I'm sure Magix could add it to the program somehow.
Just keep saving as you are.
Doug.