Hello MicroStation,
I am having trouble with files that are referenced into a drawing not showing due to links being broken. This means I have to individually re-link each file every time I open a drawing. I have not changed any of the names or destinations of the reference files. Has anybody else come across this issue / found the solution?
Many thanks,
Lewis
You can have MicroStation hold reference file paths in 2 main ways. You can pick the option to 'Save Full Path' or set the config variable MS_RFDIR with the path where the file resides. Have you tried to do either?
Hi Bear,
Other than the hidden full path, where is the option to "Save Full Path"? I really need that feature. I can only find "Save Relative Path".
--Thanks,--Robert
It's more config related Robert:
MS_DISALLOWFULLREFPATH
"Disallow Full Ref Path"
If set, the product does not save the full path to references. By default, the product stores both an abbreviated (portable) path and the full path to references.
Thanks. That is correct. The "Save Full Path" option was available in Microstation 7, but not in Microstation 8 or CE. The configuration variable becomes the "last chance" to finding the file, if it has not already been found in a number of other locations. I really don't like this setup because of: 1) If I have it turned on, I have references that should be reported as "missing" showing up, and causing issues. 2) If I have it turned off, I can never retain the reference to any file that does not have a "relative path".
I guess one of my issues also is the way that Bentley uses the term, "relative path." For me that means the shortest route to that file from this file. (IE up one folder and then...) If the file/folder is on a different drive, then the relative path would be the same as the full path, because the shortest route would be "go to the root folder and to the new drive letter then..."
I do agree with you (to get back to the real subject of this thread), that the configuration variable must be set to allow the hidden full path to be saved, to allow Lewis to find his files.
It's been a LONG time since I've used anything other than config variables for reference file paths so forgive me if this isn't perfect, but the way I remember it, if you won't set MS_DISALLOWFULLREFPATH to 1 then it should store the location of the reference file and still be able to find it unless the path has changed. The only sure way around all of this is to set MS_RFDIR with a list of reference file paths so that a file can't be lost. I do agree on the alert, something that pops up on file open.
Hi Robert,
Would these links be of help to you:
https://communities.bentley.com/products/microstation/w/microstation__wiki/15392/how-to-add-relative-path-to-a-reference-attachment (ticking/unticking the option Save Full Path, may do what you want)
https://communities.bentley.com/products/microstation/w/microstation__wiki/8919/understanding-file-locations-and-reference-attachments-in-microstation
https://communities.bentley.com/other/old_site_member_blogs/peer_blogs/b/marc_thomass_blog/posts/connect-edition---configuration-tips-reference-file-variables
Note that in the Preferences, you can also set whether the Relative Path is to be saved or not when attaching a reference.
HTH
Henk