Here is something I learned that is good practice. With each chapter of development on your thing, whatever it may be, save as a new file with a number at the end.
Example:
crowbarboobs01.max (modeled top half)
crowbarboobs02.max (modeled bottom half)
crowbarboobs03.max (modeled boobs, file is corrupted inexplicably.)
Even though the current file is corrupted, I have a permanent restore point to try again. This method saves my ass in all sorts of things. When I get the final, I usually clean up the files or save a copy of the final before texturing or something, whatever works.
Come to think of it, does anyone else do this?