How to configure MicroStation to use a different Workspace than the delivered one

Background

In many cases it is required to set MicroStation to use a custom Workspace, which could be or not be shared on the network, rather than using the one delivered by Bentley.

Here are some quick methods to point MicroStation or PowerDraft to such workspaces:

Option 1: Use a modified shortcut

1. Right click on the product Shortcut

2. In the "General" tab add the command line switch and its argument after "....ustation.exe" in the "Target" field.

 

 

3. Click "Apply", then "Ok"

Option 2: Modify the "mslocal.cfg"

Note: this method should be used only if agreed by your CAD Manager / Administrator and under his /her supervision. Please bear in mind that your CAD manager may have a more complex and sophisticated configuration in palce, so always ask for his / her assistance in case you have doubts on how to use a specific Workspace.

1. Locate the "mslocal.cfg", which is by default in the "C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\MicroStation (Select Series)\config" folder

 

2. Open the "mslocal.cfg" with a text editor, such as Notepad or Notepad++. Do not use MicroSoft Word or other Word Processors, use a pure text editor

 

3. Locate the "_USTN_WORKSPACEROOT " variable. This is by default defined as "_USTN_WORKSPACEROOT : ${_USTN_INSTALLED_WORKSPACEROOT}"

 

4. Replace "${_USTN_INSTALLED_WORKSPACEROOT}" with the path to your workspace, i.e. "X:/Bentley/Workspace/", using forward slashes and making sure the path ends with a "/", as shown in the example here below:

 

"_USTN_WORKSPACEROOT : X:/Bentley/Workspace/

 

5. Save the changes "mslocal.cfg".

See Also

How to figure out what the command line switches are

Networking Workspaces the easy way

Networking Workspaces

Microstation-command-line-options-and-switches