Problem

While working in MicroStation, the crosshair cursor associated with certain tools (i.e. Place Line, Place Circle, Place Note, etc.) disappears while hovering the mouse in the view.
The tool still works, but the position of the cursor cannot be found.

Solution

This is likely a display issue associated with the Windows Display Settings, especially if high definition monitors are used.
It is likely the cursor is still within the view, but it is a black color, so it blends in with the view background.

Solution 1 - Set Configuration Variable MS_USEWINDOWSDEFAULTCROSSCURSOR

1. In MicroStation, navigate to File>Settings>Configuration>Configuration Variables
2. Select "New"
3. In the Variable field, type MS_USEWINDOWSDEFAULTCROSSCURSOR
4. In the New Value field, type 1
5. Press OK> then OK again > Yes
6. Fully close & reopen MicroStation

Solution 2 - Change Windows Display Settings
Navigate to Windows Settings>System>Display
Ensure the size of text, apps, and other items is set to the Recommended value. Then fully close and reopen MicroStation.

Solution 3 - Change Model Background Color

1. In MicroStation, navigate to File > Settings > User>Preferences > View Options Category
2. Toggle ON the option "Black Background -> White"
3. Press OK, then go back to the main interface
4. Save Settings (CTRL+f). If changes are not seen, then fully close/reopen MicroStation
5. A black crosshair will now be visible in the view as the background is white

*Note - you can also opt to enable the color override for the specific model type background (design, drawing, sheet), and then change the color to anything other than black.

Solution 4 - Detach External Monitors
If none of the previous solutions work or are feasible for you, then detaching all external monitors is a known resolution to this problem.

See Also

Cursor Crosshair Turned Black Colour - Forum thread

Troubleshooting Graphics Display Issues

Display Problems - Stray Lines or No Lines in DGN

Other language sources

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