[Solved] File changed; Can't find previous version

[carlos1973]

I'm hoping someone on here can help me.
I have a spreadsheet with my budget, calendar, rent summary, Credit cards and loans on. I use this to stay on top of my monthly finances etc and I'm lost without it.
I opened the file today and all I get is text input box which only allows me select ok. The file then opens as a single empty sheet. All the previous tabs and sheets are gone.
I've opened other spreadsheets and they are all ok, but this one is lost. This is 5 years worth household accounts etc.
How can I recover the older version and prevent this happening again.
Thanks.

[FJCC]

You can set OpenOffice to make a backup copy automatically. To turn that on, go to the menu Tools -> Options and expand the Load/Save list on the left. Pick General and select Always Create Backup Copy.
To set the location of the backup copy, go to Tools -> Options and expand the OpenOffice list. Click on Paths and look at what is listed under Backups. You can click on Backups and choose the Edit button to set a location. Before doing that, go to the currently listed location to see if a version of your document is there.
Your document is blank because it got corrupted. One way to lessen the chances of this happening may be to wait a few seconds after you save the document to be sure it has been fully written. Then close the document and also wait a few seconds before turning off or putting the computer in sleep mode. Those suggestions may be just superstitions on my part.

[robleyd]

You might also look at some of the recovery suggestions in [Tutorial] The Dreaded Pound Signs: file reduced to ####.

[carlos1973]

Thank you for the replies. I've found a version from a few months ago and I'm going to set the automatic back up copy up too.
Cheers, Carlos.

[Hagar Delest]

For the record, LibreOffice has fixed this ### issue.

[RoryOF]

For the record, LibreOffice has fixed this ### issue.

There have been a small number ( very rare ) reports of a continuing or similar problem in LibreOffice; these may be due to some form of User error.

Nothing beats multiple timed/dated backup copies! If there was a sign in the sky for computer users, it should read "Backup, Backup, BACKUP!"