How to Push MicroStation, or applications built on the platform MicroStation, to be able to stop automatically after the passage of a predetermined time ?

Which version of MicroStation?

MicroStation V8 Edition 2004, V8 XM, V8i, CONNECT and all applications based on these platforms.

How?

A MS_IDLETIMEOUT variable is now included in the configuration. The latter allows you to define a period of time of inactivity after which MicroStation will stop automatically. The minimum value is 30 minutes. The value 0 means that the software is never closed, even when it is unused.

When the defined time period of non-use or idleness is reached, a warning window will appear informing the user that MicroStation Will be out in 60 seconds. If you click the OK button, you can continue working, otherwise MicroStation Will close.

Ideally, this variable should be controlled at the site configuration level. Generally, an option should be applied throughout the organisation or working group.

To set the time of 30 minutes (minimum), add the following line to the site configuration, standard.cfg or equivalent.

MS_IDLETIMEOUT = 30

Default file location « standards.cfg » is C:ProgramDataBentley.....WorkSpaceStandards

In a networked workspace add this variable to the site configuration.

To apply this shutdown period, the variable can be blocked at site level by adding a lock declaration %:

MS_IDLETIMEOUT = 30
%lock MS_IDLETIMEOUT

Remarks: MS_IDLETIMEOUT only takes effect during an active application session, i.e. whether a DGN file is opened.

Also, if the DGN file is closed and the application has remained open (you have made File>Close), the variable MS_IDLETIMEOUT will have no effect.

In general, users should always be asked to close applications when they no longer use them.