Product:	MicroStation
	Version:	V8i
	Environment:	N\A
	Area:	FAQ
	Subarea:	N\A

Overview

MicroStation V8i is Bentley's latest version of MicroStation and was unveiled and released on November 6th, 2008.

What is new with MicroStation V8i?

There is a product page devoted to MicroStation V8i here.  

For a list of the new items, review the product "readme" document that is delivered with MicroStation.  Click here to view the online readme of the latest version.

Which operating systems are supported by MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

See the Installation Requirements section of the Requirements for a list of supported operating systems in the online readme

Does MicroStation V8i require a Prerequisite pack?

Starting with MicroStation V8i SELECT Series 3, a separate perquisite pack is no longer needed.  The installer now checks for what is needed and automatically retrieves it from the web.  A web connection is required. 

Do I need to install the Prerequisites for Bentley Desktop Applications manually before I install MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

You have the option of installing the Prerequisites for Bentley Desktop Applications manually prior to installing MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) or you can allow the MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) installer to download and install them during the MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) installation. You can also include the Prerequisites for Bentley Desktop Applications in the deployment image. For more information on creating a deployment image, see the Deployment Guide.

Do I need to uninstall the previous version of MicroStation?

No, if you are using MicroStation V8i SS2 (08.11.09.292) or later.  New versions will prompt you that it will "update" the currently installed version.  However, If you are using an older version of MicroStation V8i, you will be prompted to uninstall.  If you using an older version (Example: MicroStation V8 XM Edition), MicroStation V8i will not attempt to "update" it and can safely co-exist on the same machine (as long as you keep the install location separate).   

Can I install MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) on the same workstation as MicroStation V8 XM Edition or MicroStation V8i?

You can install MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) on the same workstation as MicroStation V8 XM Edition. The only restriction is that you do not install both versions into the same directory. For information about installing MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) on the same workstation as MicroStation V8i, see "Before you start" in the QuickInstall Guide in the online readme.

Can I install MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) on the
same workstation as MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 1) or MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2)?

Beginning with MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2), the installation behavior was changed to allow only one instance of a major MicroStation release to be installed on a workstation. This was done to facilitate greater flexibility for supporting multiple versions of design applications on each version of MicroStation. This allows you to choose the versions of design applications that can be run on your chosen version of MicroStation. Additional details regarding application compatibility can be found in each application's documentation. 

How do I activate MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

Activation can be accomplished during or after the installation process through MicroStation's License Management Tool. You will need two pieces of information in order to complete activation: the name of the SELECTserver and an activation key, which should be available from your system administrator. See MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) Product Activation for more information. 

What is the new activation state for licensing called Evaluation mode?

MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) adds an additional licensing mode for new users to “test drive” our products prior to purchase. Evaluation mode allows full use of the product for up to 30 days. A window will display daily presenting the option to purchase or continue the evaluation. After the evaluation period concludes, the product will not function until it is activated. If you want to purchase a product, contact your account manager or fill out a Sales Contact Request.

How is Clash Resolution in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) activated and licensed?

Clash Resolution in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) is initially available running in a pre-activated trial mode. It will run in trial mode for up to 29 days following the first use. To license Clash Resolution you must obtain a ProjectWise Clash Resolution Visa. For more information:

See MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) Product Activation for more information about using the License Management Tool to obtain a visa.

Contact the Bentley Sales Support Center at one of the phone numbers or Web sites listed.

How is Schedule Simulation in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) activated and licensed?

Schedule Simulation in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) is initially available running in a pre-activated trial mode. It will run in trial mode for up to 29 days following the first use. To license Schedule Simulation you must obtain a ProjectWise Schedule Simulation Visa. For more information:

See MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) Product Activation for more information about using the License Management Tool to obtain a visa.

Contact the Bentley Sales Support Center at one of the phone numbers or Web sites listed.

Will MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) use my existing commercial MicroStation V8i, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 1), or MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2) licenses being managed by SELECTserver?

Yes. MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) can be activated using your existing MicroStation V8i, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 1), or MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2) licenses managed on SELECTserver XM Edition and later. Existing MicroStation V8i, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 1), or MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2) users who are currently activated will only need to upgrade MicroStation. Since the machine is currently activated, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) will acknowledge the existing activation and will not need to be re-activated. MicroStation usage, regardless of the version, will be recorded by SELECTserver XM Edition and later.

Will MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) use my existing commercial MicroStation V8 XM Edition licenses being managed by SELECTserver?

Yes. MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) can be activated using your existing MicroStation V8 XM Edition licenses managed on SELECTserver XM Edition and later. Existing MicroStation V8 XM Edition users who are currently activated will only need to upgrade MicroStation. Since the machine is currently activated, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) will acknowledge the existing activation and will not need to be re-activated. MicroStation usage, regardless of the version, will be recorded by SELECTserver XM Edition and later.

Will MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) use my existing commercial MicroStation V8 XM Edition licenses being managed by SELECTserver 2004 Edition?

No. MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) requires SELECTserver XM Edition or later and will not run with SELECTserver 2004 Edition. Bentley now provides two options for licensing your applications: SELECTserver ONLINE hosted by Bentley, or you may choose to download and deploy SELECTserver at your organization. More information can be found regarding our SELECTserver ONLINE option.

SELECTserver can be obtained from the Software Downloads link in CONNECTION Center .
Please note: both SELECTserver ONLINE and SELECTserver require a new license file. Contact the Bentley Sales Support Center
that services your area for information on upgrading your current SELECTserver 2004 Edition license file.

Where can I review the MicroStation V8i  SELECTseries 3) End User Licensing Agreement?

The End User License Agreement is named "EULA.pdf". See the ReadMe for the default location.

Have the hardware requirements for MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) changed from that of MicroStation V8 XM Edition? What are the requirements?

The requirements for MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) have changed slightly from the requirements for MicroStation V8 XM Edition. For details, please see the Minimum Profile section of the MicroStation Requirements, and the MicroStation V8i System Requirements and Hardware Recommendations.

Have the hardware requirements for MicroStation V8i
(SELECTseries 3) changed from that of MicroStation V8i, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 1), or MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2)? What are the requirements?

The requirements for MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) are the same as the previous editions of MicroStation V8i. For details, please see the Minimum Profile section of the MicroStation Requirements, and the MicroStation V8i System Requirements and Hardware Recommendations.

Will MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) performance be enhanced when running on a 64-bit operating system?

Yes. While MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) is a 32-bit application, it takes advantage of AWE (Address Windowing Extensions) to use the extra memory. When a MicroStation session is running out of memory and has to start swapping, it uses AWE to swap to the extended memory instead of to disk, which can make a significant difference to the performance. An application must have the Lock Pages in Memory privilege to use AWE. In order to obtain this privilege, an administrator must add Lock Pages in Memory to the user’s User Rights Assignments. For more information on how to do this, see “User Rights” in the operating system help.

Additionally, the Luxology rendering engine is delivered in both 64-bit and 32-bit versions. The appropriate version will be installed automatically, depending on the operating System detected during installation. Both the 64-bit and 32-bit
versions will take full advantage of all available memory and processing power available to each operating system.

Will enabling hyper-threading on my workstation have any benefit?

Yes, while early attempts at hyper-threading on single core machines actually degraded MicroStation performance, the new generation of multi-core processors from Intel (Nehalem) actually yield 20% gain in rendering performance. Therefore users with single core processors should make sure hyper-threading is not enabled on their workstation and users with multi-core processors should enable hyper-threading to realize the performance gains.

Will MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) take advantage of multi-core or multi-processor systems?

Yes, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) takes advantage of multi-core or multi-processor systems. MicroStation V8i
(SELECTseries 3) will perform graphics processing in a separate thread. Some of the functions in MicroStation that take advantage of this technology are:

• Luxology rendering engine makes very efficient use of multiple cores with no limit on the number of cores or threads, and you will see linear performance gains as more cores are added.
• QuickVision utilizes the multi-cores and multi-processors but this varies a lot depending on data set, but generally it reduces update time by about one third.  This processing only uses 2 processors. 
• Some of the Pointools components gets a pretty big boost from using multiple processors.  

What are the benefits of running MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) with a DirectX 11 compatible graphics card?

When running a graphics card that supports either DirectX 10 or DirectX 11, most users will see significant performance gains, particularly with display modes that include transparency, edges, or shadows. We see many examples where complex models displayed in hidden line, illustration, or shaded monochrome mode are 3 to 5 times faster with DirectX 11 than with DirectX 9. Even users that already have DirectX 11 capable hardware or that work with predominantly 2D models can generally boost display performance by upgrading to a faster graphics card. 

Is DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 supported by MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) and will it run on video cards that support DirectX 9 and DirectX 10?

Yes, however, for new purchases, it is recommended that you choose a video card that supports DirectX 11.

Will MicroStation BASIC macros work in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

MicroStation BASIC is supported in MicroStation V8i. However, MicroStation BASIC has not been enhanced and is likely to be unsupported in future versions. Bentley recommends migrating existing MicroStation BASIC code to Visual Basic or Visual Basic for Applications.

Will User Commands still run in MicroStation V8i
(SELECTseries 3)?

User Commands still run in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3), but have been unsupported since the initial release of MicroStation V8i. It is anticipated that this will be the last release of MicroStation that will allow a User Command to run. For assistance on migrating from User Commands please check the BE Communities Web site or contact Bentley SELECT Support through the Service Request Manager for more information.

Will existing MDL applications still work in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

Most pure MDL applications that run on MicroStation V8 XM Edition and MicroStation V8i should run on MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) without modification. There are some incompatibilities. These are noted in the MicroStation SDK ReadMe. If the application contains portions written in native code (compiled with Microsoft Visual C++ compiler), then the application should be recompiled with Visual Studio 2005 service pack 1.

Will existing Visual Basic applications still work in
MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

Yes.

Which compiler does MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)use?

MicroStation is compiled using Visual Studio 2005 service pack 1. We recommend that applications be compiled using the same compiler.

Can applications compiled with Visual Studio 2008 work in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

Running applications compiled with Visual Studio 2008 is not recommended. This is due to the possible incompatibilities and differences in the C runtime between the Visual Studio 2008 and Visual Studio 2005 compilers. For example, the way memory is allocated and freed can be different. Such issues can make it extremely difficult to debug problems.

Will future versions of MicroStation support  MicroStation Batch Print job set (.job) files?

MicroStation Batch Print will not be supported in future versions of MicroStation. The functionality in MicroStation Batch Print has been replaced by MicroStation Print Organizer. Existing MicroStation Batch Print job set (.job) files can be imported to MicroStation Print Organizer. For more information on MicroStation Print Organizer please refer to the MicroStation help.

What is the "Bentley continuous improvement program?" 

During product activation, you may have seen a new dialog that looks like this:

 

For information regarding the Bentley Continuous Program, click here.

Will future versions of MicroStation support Settings Manager configuration (.stg) files?

MicroStation Settings Manager will not be supported in future versions of MicroStation. The functionality in Settings Manager has been replaced with MicroStation Templates and Tasks. Existing MicroStation Settings Manager configuration files (.stg) can be imported into MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) using the Customize tools. For more information on migrating existing Settings Manager configuration files please refer to the MicroStation help. Click this Blog post for more information.

Will future versions of MicroStation support  MicroStation Archiver (.mar) files?

MicroStation Archiver has been replaced by MicroStation Packager. MicroStation Archiver (.mar) files will not be supported in future versions of MicroStation. Existing MicroStation Archiver files can be extracted in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) and saved as MicroStation Packager (.pzip) files, when needed. For more information on MicroStation Packager please refer to the MicroStation help. Click this Blog post for more information.

Has the file format changed between MicroStation V8 XM Edition and MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)? Can I use files created in MicroStation V8 XM Edition, MicroStation V8 2004 Edition, or earlier versions of MicroStation V8?

The MicroStation V8 file format is extended by MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) in a backwards compatible way. That means that while there is some new information that is written to the file by MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3), that information is ignored by earlier editions of MicroStation V8, and files created and edited with MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) can still be used in earlier versions. For example, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) allows the display of saved view boundaries. Those will not be displayed in earlier versions, but they will not be damaged either.

Where can I find the list of database versions supported by MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

The database versions supported by MicroStation are subject to updating after the product release. You can search for MicroStation database support in Be Communities for the latest information.

Does MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) support LIDAR point cloud data?

Yes, MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) includes the Pointools Vortex™ engine which provides fast, efficient display and manipulation of point cloud data. Please refer to the MicroStation help for additional details.

Why does the ACS Icon face the same direction in all views?

New to MicroStation V8i is the ability to set an Auxiliary coordinate system for each view.  One reason for this change was to provide better control of the drawing planes in any given view.  By default, if a view does not have a specific ACS set, it will reside at the active depth of the view.

If this is not desired, it is possible to return the views ACS's to follow the Global ACS:

1. Go to the ACS dialog (utilities > Auxiliary coordinates)
2. Right click on the active ACS and choose "Reset to Global"
3. Right click again and select "Set All Views"

What happened to the configuration variable MS_LEGACYDRAWORDER?

The variable has been replaced with an option in the Wireframe Display Style (Settings>Display Styles) called "Use File Order for Display". With this change, there is no longer a dependency to a variable to get the desired appearance.  This way you can give the file to someone else and it will always look the same.

Can I change file association for DGN and/or DWG files?

Yes, starting with MicroStation V8i, you can change file associations during the installation process. Select the "Advanced" option to get to the Product Features selection and under "File Association", you can change association of common MicroStation related products.

Alternatively, after installation, you can go back to the Product Features (Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs > highlight application, select "Change") of the V8i application and remove/add file association.

Note: if you have problems changing file associations, please refer to this technote.

Why does key-in Go=$ report differently?

Starting in MicroStation V8i, the offset location of the Global Origin is now reported relative to Center of Design Plane (XY=0,0,0|uor).  This change was made to provide better information as to exactly where the Global Origin is.

When you key-in: GO=$, you will get the following message in the message center:

The Global Origin is offset Xvalue, Yvalue, Zvalue from the design plane center

Previous to MicroStation V8i, the location was reported from a location equal to the lower left corner of V7's design plane (This location was used in V8 to maintain the same value from V7 format files to V8 format files).  This change will not ettect how coordinate readouts report.

MicroStation crashes when trying to install using a custom path on Windows Vista.

There is a known problem with version 08.11.05.17. It will not install to a custom path from the executable file. The current workaround is:

1. Execute MicroStation setup file.
2. Select the option of extract only.
3. Browse to extracted files and double click MicroStation.msi to install the product, all options should now work properly.

How do I change the default installation path?

The ability to change the installation path is under the Advanced option of the installer.

1. Launch the MicroStation installation.
2. Click Next on the first screen.
3. On the second screen you will see the End-User License Agreement. After checking "I accept the terms in the License Agreement" two buttons should become available, Advanced and Install.

• If you select Install, MicroStation is installed to the default directory:
          Machines with no prior MicroStation installation:
          MicroStation program directory: C:\Program Files\Bentley\
          MicroStation workspace directory: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\MicroStation\
          Machines with prior installation of MicroStation:
          MicroStation program directory: C:\Program Files\Bentley\MicroStation V8i\
          MicroStation workspace directory: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\MicroStation\
• If you select the Advanced option you are given the oportunity to select your own installation path for both the program and the workspace.

Where is the font installer?

The font installer application has been removed from MicroStation V8i. We are currently developing a replacement that will be released as a standalone download. A previous version of MicroStation can be used as a workaround.

It should also be noted that we would like to generally encourage the use of TrueType fonts instead; when released, this updated utility may only be available through support, and may not be integrated into the product again.

How have fonts changed in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

Beginning with MicroStation V8i the MstnFontConfig.xml configuration file is used for the handling of fonts. This file has two sections: language-based font specifications and font details, and can be modified with any text or XML editor. The file is installed in …\Workspace\System\fonts. In addition, there are three new configuration variables for fonts. For more information, see MicroStation Help.

From the table of contents, go to What's New > New in V8i> Text Enhancements > Font Enhancements.

Why aren't my fonts available in the font picker (and other font-related questions)?

See the Fonts In MicroStation Wiki page.

What is an i-Model?  

What are the changes to DWG file format support in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) now includes the Autodesk® RealDWG™ libraries, which provide the highest levels of fidelity possible when working with DWG™ files. Due to this change MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) has the same level of support that all applications based on Autodesk® RealDWG™ libraries will have as a baseline. MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) also provides some unique benefits not available to other Autodesk® RealDWG™-based applications and will provide more in the future.

MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) has these changes regarding DWG format support:

DWG files that are written to or saved by MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) will not display the "Foreign DWG File" message when opened in AutoCAD®.

MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) leverages Autodesk® and other third-party object enablers to display content stored in a DWG file that is created by an application that requires an object enabler. There are two types of object enabler "experiences" in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3), depending on the object enablers that are loaded on the user’s PC.

When using an Autodesk Object Enabler:

Provides graphic display of AEC Objects in MicroStation, AutoCAD, and other RealDWG-based applications that support object enablers.

Is available for AutoCAD® Architecture, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD® Civil 3D®, and other Autodesk applications as well as from other third parties.

See the Autodesk web site for more information about its object enablers.

When using a Bentley Enhanced Object Enabler:

Provides graphics display of AEC Objects in MicroStation (like the Autodesk Object Enabler).

Provides a higher level of fidelity for viewing and interrogating AEC Objects when viewed in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3).

The level of information depends on the object enabler, but typically delivers a much better user experience than standard Autodesk Object Enablers.

May include the access to business properties, and object data embedded in the design.

May be created and delivered by Bentley or other third parties that wish to provide a richer experience than an Autodesk Object Enabler may deliver.

The Autodesk RealDWG libraries in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) provide read-write support for DWG versions R14 through 2012.

Older versions of DWG files are supported for file open and read-only operations with this version of the Autodesk RealDWG libraries.

Older versions of DWG files may be saved as DWG versions R14 through 2010, as well as R12 DXF™.

These parameters are the same for all applications that use this version of Autodesk RealDWG, including AutoCAD.

There are a few capabilities that are available in MicroStation V8i and earlier editions that have not been replaced in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3). They are listed below. Users that require these capabilities and are on SELECT may use the earlier versions for these capabilities if needed.

MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) does not include the DWG Audit utility, but we are investigating the possibility of re-adding it in a future release.

MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) does not include the DWG Recover utility, but we are investigating the possibility of re-adding it in a future release.

Does MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) support versions of DWG prior to 2012?

Yes, it does. MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) opens all DWG versions up to 2012.

Can I install previous versions of the Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ with MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)?

Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2009 is installed as part of MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) along with Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2014 for backward compatibility reasons. If you need to run a release 2009, 2012, or 2013 object enabler, you may download the object enabler and install it on MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3). You then need to set the configuration variable MS_REALDWG_VERSION to 2009, 2012, or 2013 to activate Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2009, 2012, or 2013 respectively.

If required, you may download and install the previous versions Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2012 or Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2013 from the Software Downloads link in CONNECTION Center . You cannot install RealDWG versions prior to 2009.

I have already installed Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2010 as part of a previous MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries) installation, can I use that?

No, MicroStation (SELECTseries 3) only works with Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2009, 2012, 2013, or 2014. Your previously installed Bentley Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2010 has no effect on MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) and can be removed.

What should I consider when using file encryption and working with users of previous versions of  MicroStation?

If you are using MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) to encrypt files, users of MicroStation V8i or MicroStation XM Edition will not be able to open the files. If you are using MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) to publish i-models, users of earlier version of MicroStation will be able to open the i-models if you grant them the right to export data. You will not be able to open the i-models if you do not grant the export right.

What are the Bentley iWare Apps for interoperability?

The Bentley iWare Apps for interoperability are Bentley's free software serving infrastructure professionals. The following Bentley iWare Apps for interoperability are installed as part of the MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) installation.

Bentley DGN Reader for Windows 7:

Preview DGNs and i-models and search for embedded information using Windows Explorer or Microsoft Outlook

Preview DGNs and i-models in Windows 7 View thumbnails in Windows applications

Search for text within DGNs and i-models i-model ODBC Driver for Windows 7

Access data within DGN files and i-models

The Bentley iWare Apps for interoperability can also be downloaded from http://www.bentley.com/en-us/free+software/.

What is the Bentley DGN Index Service?

The Bentley DGN Index Service is a shared indexing service that is used by the Project Explorer to retrieve data from DGN files. If enabled, it replaces the harvesting technique from previous versions of Project Explorer. The  performance of the indexing service is much better than the conventional harvesting technique. The Bentley DGN Index Service is installed as part of the MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) installation.

See also

Other language sources

Original Author:

Bentley Technical Support Group