How to Turn Off Autosave in Microstation?

Understanding MicroStation’s Auto-Save Feature

MicroStation includes an auto-save function that is enabled by default. This feature can be very beneficial as it allows users to save their work automatically, reducing the need to manually save frequently. However, there may be scenarios where you might want to disable this feature, especially if you prefer a different workflow.

Steps to Deactivate Auto-Save in MicroStation

If you decide to turn off the auto-save function in MicroStation, follow these detailed steps:

1. Access the User Preferences:

   • Start by navigating to the top menu bar.
   • Click on File, then select Settings.
   • From the dropdown, choose User, followed by Preferences. This will open a dialog that contains various customization options.

2. Locate the Operation Section:

   • Within the Preferences dialog, find the section labeled Operation. This section contains settings related to the behavior of various functionalities within MicroStation.

3. Disable Save Settings on Exit:

   • Look for an option named Save Settings on Exit. If this option is checked (enabled), uncheck it to prevent MicroStation from saving your settings automatically when the application is closed.

4. Turn Off Auto-Save Design Changes:

   • Next, locate the option called Auto-save Design Changes. If this option is currently enabled, click on it to toggle it off. Disabling this will prevent the software from automatically saving changes made to your design files.
5. Apply and Exit:
   • After making these adjustments, ensure that you apply the changes by clicking the OK button. This will save your new preferences and close the dialog.

Additional Options and Considerations

While disabling auto-save may suit some users, it’s essential to consider the potential risks. Without auto-save, you may lose unsaved work if MicroStation crashes or if there is a power failure. To mitigate this risk, consider setting a manual save reminder or using the standard save function regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I still recover lost files if auto-save is turned off?
Yes, even if auto-save is disabled, MicroStation allows file recovery through its recovery features. You can use the ‘Recover’ option under the Utilities menu to attempt to restore damaged or unsaved files.

2. What happens to my user preferences when I disable auto-save?
Disabling auto-save affects only the design changes and not the preferences you currently have set. Your saving preferences will remain intact, but design changes will not be stored automatically.

3. Is there a way to revert back to auto-save after turning it off?
Absolutely. You can re-enable auto-save by following the same steps outlined above and checking the Auto-save Design Changes option again in the Preferences menu.