Open DGNs in Windows Explorer with FDOTSS4 Workspace

In Windows 7, how do you configure File Associations to open DGNs using the FDOTSS4 workspace? I want this to be the default double-click behavior for DGNs.

  • Errick
    Opening DGN files using Windows Explorer and File Associations is not a recommended practice. MicroStation will open in the last workspace that was open in the last project you were in. This subject has been long debated by users over the years that are used to opening files by program association but it always comes bac to the Bentley file manager to set the Project Workspace and User. It is the only way to ensure correctness.
  • Because Bentley Makes so much of the settings and standards used in MicroStation external to the DGN file, few locations allow their users to use the double-click in Explorer to open a file. In fact, many purposely disable this making it only open MicroStation, or the make is open in a workspace with minimal settings. After a few times opening a file and seeing no linestyles and many badly displayed text elements, most users catch on that opening files this way actually is a waste of time.
    An Alternative, is to add shortcuts to project locations that users can use to jump to a project folders after selecting the workspace items. At our office, we use the Project only as a method to set a Client Workspace.

    Charles (Chuck) Rheault
    CADD Manager

    MDOT State Highway Administration

    • MicroStation user since IGDS, InRoads user since TDP.
    • AutoCAD, Land Desktop and Civil 3D, off and on since 1996
  • Bob,
    I agree and don't personally use Windows Explorer for DGNs. However, I have some users that have had this functionality for awhile and are expecting this behavior. Their current workaround is to drag and drop the file from explorer onto the desktop shortcut. This is even more dangerous in my opinion. Configuring this in Windows 7 is less apparent. I want to know if it's possible and how.