MicroStation Wiki Automatic Back-Up and Save Settings

Automatic Back-Up and Save Settings

	Product:	MicroStation
	Version:	V8i, CONNECT
	Environment:	N\A
	Area:	Archive / Backup
	Subarea:	N\A

Problem

I need to configure automatic backups and Save settings for my design files when working in MicroStation v8i or CONNECT Edition.

Solution

MicroStation v8i

First, check the save settings that are set within your user preferences.
Navigate to WorkSpace>Preferences>Operation.
Observe the settings for "Save Settings on Exit" and "Automatically Save Design Changes" as shown below.
These settings will directly affect the way your design files are saved as well as how your settings are saved.
Adjust these options as desired.

Next, navigate to Workspace>Configuration and locate the variable MS_DGNAUTOSAVE.
This variable determines the frequency, in seconds, of the auto-save timer for V8 format files.
For example, if set to 2 (the default), an auto-save will occur when there was no user activity for about 2 seconds.
If set to 0, auto-save is disabled.
This variable will also automatically enable/disable the "Automatically Save Design Changes" setting within the user preferences dialog.
Note that you will have to close/reopen MicroStation v8i to observe any changes to the configuration variables.

Lastly, check your file backup settings by navigating to Workspace>Configuration again. Locate the variable MS_BACKUP.
This variable sets the default directory for file backups.
By default, it is set to $(_USTN_OUT) which should initially point to C:\ProgramData\Bentley\MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries)\WorkSpace\Projects\Untitled\out.

You can control the location of the backup files by changing the variable MS_BACKUP to point to a folder directory of your choice.
If you want it to be the folder of the active file, override the definition for MS_BACKUP to equal $(_DGNDIR). Using the Key-in tool (Utilities>Key-in), type BACKUP and press Enter.
A backup copy of the design file will be created and saved at the location as defined by MS_BACKUP.
The backup file will have extension .BAK. This file type can be opened like any other DGN file.
The extension can also be manually set to .DGN if desired.

If applicable, it is highly recommended that you contact your organization's IT department for further information on your company’s specific policy regarding file backup before making any changes.

CONNECT Edition

First, check the save settings that are set within the user preferences dialog.
Navigate to File>Settings>User>Preferences>Operation category.
Observe the settings for "Save Settings on Exit" and "Automatically Save Design Changes" as shown below.
These settings will directly affect the way your design files are saved as well as how your settings are saved.
Adjust these options as desired.

Next, navigate to File>Settings>Configuration>Configuration Variables and locate the variable MS_DGNAUTOSAVE.
This variable determines the frequency, in seconds, of the auto-save timer for V8 format files.
For example, if set to 2 (the default), an auto-save will occur when there was no user activity for about 2 seconds.
If set to 0, auto-save is disabled.
Note that you will have to select OK, select "Yes" to save the changes to your "Personal.ucf" file, and then close/reopen MicroStation CONNECT to observe any changes to this variable setting.

Lastly, check your file backup configuration settings by navigating to File>Settings>Configuration>Configuration Variables again. Locate the variable MS_BACKUP.
This variable sets the default directory for file backups.

You can control the location of the backup files by changing the variable MS_BACKUP to point to a folder directory of your choice.
If you want it to be the folder of the active file, override the definition for MS_BACKUP to equal $(_DGNDIR).
Select OK and then "Yes" to save changes. Close and reopen MicroStation CONNECT Edition.

Using the Key-in tool (Utilities>Key-in), type BACKUP and press Enter.
A backup copy of the design file will be created and saved at the location as defined by MS_BACKUP.
The backup file will have extension .BAK. This file type can be opened like any other DGN file.
The extension can also be manually renamed back to .DGN.

If applicable, it is highly recommended that you contact your organization's IT department for further information on your company’s specific policy regarding file backup before making any changes.