Microstation Can’t Delete Unused Level?

When it comes to managing levels in MicroStation, the ability to delete unused levels is essential for optimizing your project and maintaining a clean working environment. Users occasionally encounter issues when attempting to delete these unused levels. Below are detailed instructions and common troubleshooting steps for resolving the situation.

Steps to Delete Unused Levels in MicroStation

1. Access the Compress Options
   Begin by navigating to the main menu. From there, click on File, and then hover over Compress. This will reveal a submenu where you should select Options. A dialog box labeled "Compress Options" will appear.

2. Enable Level Deletion
   Within the Compress Options dialog, locate the checkbox labeled Delete Unused Levels. Ensure this box is checked. This setting instructs MicroStation to remove any levels that are not currently associated with any elements in your design file.

3. Consider Reference Files
   If your design incorporates reference files and you wish to delete unused levels from these as well, check the box for Include References. This ensures that any unused levels in referenced files are also considered during the compression process.

4. Execute the Compression
   With the appropriate options selected, click on the Compress button. MicroStation will begin to process the deletion of any identified unused levels based on your selections.

5. Saving Changes
   After the compression process is complete, save your design file. This step is crucial as it ensures that the deletions are permanent and reflected in the saved file.

Troubleshooting Inability to Delete Unused Levels

If you discover that MicroStation is still unable to delete unused levels after following the steps above, consider the following suggestions:

• Check for Locked Levels
  Sometimes levels are locked, which can prevent deletion. Verify the status of your levels by opening the Level Manager. If any levels are locked, unlock them by right-clicking on the level and selecting Unlock.

• Examine Item Associations
  The presence of items such as references or elements associated with levels—no matter how small—can prevent deletion. Inspect your drawing to ensure that no elements are inadvertently linked to the levels you intend to delete.

• Use Key-ins for Deletion
  If the standard method fails, consider using key-in commands to delete unused levels. Enter the key-in for deleting unused levels into the command window: DELETE UNUSED.

• Restart MicroStation
  Occasionally, a simple restart of the MicroStation application can resolve issues related to caching problems and allow you to perform the desired actions without any interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I view all the existing levels in my MicroStation file?
To view all existing levels, open the Level Manager from the main menu under Settings. This will display a comprehensive list of all the levels within your design file along with their statuses.

What should I do if my design file becomes too large?
If you notice that your design file is unusually large, consider performing a file compression. This can be done via the menu File > Compress > Design, which helps reduce the file size by purging unnecessary data.

Is there a way to restore a deleted level in MicroStation?
Once a level is deleted, it cannot be directly restored through MicroStation. It is advisable to keep backup copies of your design files in case you need to revert to a previous state after deletions. Always save your work regularly to prevent data loss.