[CE/ORD] Configuration variable that defines which workset template to use?

Question

I am working through my client configurations commenting out things I don't want/need, and locking variables in my organization CFG so that our standards will be followed when needed. 
 What is the configuration variable, or variable tree, that determines which workset template is used? Everyone's template is just a little different, and I'd prefer to create my own template and use that wherever possible. 
 Also, is it possible to create a workset if the directory structure already exists? Our project directories are usually set up by our project managers long before billable work starts on a project. Any new worksets I create do not need to create any directories - I need only the CFG and DGNWS. I'm pretty sure this can be done but I'd like assurance from you guys. 
 Thank you! MaryB

Marc Thomas · Answer

Hi Mary,

The WorkSet template is defined by _USTN_WORKSETTEMPLATE. The default is C:\ProgramData\Bentley\<applicationName>\Configuration\WorkSpaces\Template\WorkSet.Template, this is a basic MicroStation WorkSet.CFG.

You could have a template for each WorkSpace by setting this to be something like:

_USTN_WORKSETTEMPLATE = $(_USTN_CUSTOM_CONFIGURATION)WorkSpaces\$(_USTN_WORKSPACENAME)_WorkSet.Template

I have not tested this, but the logic is: pick WorkSpace001 and the variable will look for <pathToConfiguration>\WorkSpaces\WorkSpace001_WorkSet.Template

Each named template could then contain the appropriate statements for each WorkSpace while all are located in one place for easy admin.

Thinking about this topic a few days ago I filed the following Enhancement 1130504: "Option for Create WorkSet tool to create CFG file without any folders for use by users who (typically) create their project folder structures with other tools." This seemed like a way to simplify WorkSet creation in a context such as yours. Please file an SR referencing this enhancement if you would like to support it.

Setting _USTN_WORKSETSTANDARDSUBDIRS to nothing:

_USTN_WORKSETSTANDARDSUBDIRS =
%lock _USTN_WORKSETSTANDARDSUBDIRS

will minimise any folders that are created when using the Template = None option (which uses the WorkSet.Template file, The Template in the UI referring to use of an existing WorkSet as a template) but dgn, out and Standards folders are still created.

Hope this helps.