Reference File Agent dialog box

The Reference File Agent dialog box enables you to automatically maintain local copies of remote referenced models.


Reference File Agent dialog box

Key-in: BROWSER REFAGENT

For general information about referenced models, see References and Reference.

File > Open

Opens a data file from which associated URLs are drawn. The default value (loaded at startup) is the file specified by the environment variable MS_REFAGENTDATA. If this variable is empty, the index for remote attachments (MS_WEBFILES_DIR) is automatically searched. You can maintain any number of data files.

File > Refresh

Recreates the list of referenced models and their associated URLs, and sends out new HTTP requests to check whether the remote file is newer than the local copy. Used if the remote file is believed to have been updated since the program was loaded, or if referenced models have been attached or detached and are not yet represented in the list.

File > Exit

Exits the Reference File Agent tool.

Edit > Edit URL

Opens the Edit Reference Agent Entry dialog box where you can associate (or change the association of) a URL with the selected referenced model. If a URL is entered and the OK button is selected, an HTTP request is sent to determine the update status of the remote file, and the currently open data file is rewritten to include the new linkage.

Edit > Clear URL

Eliminates the association with the remote file by clearing the URL.

Actions > Update Out-of-date Files

Downloads the remote files which are known to be newer than their local copies, and attaches them appropriately.

Actions > Update All Files

Causes the download and reattachment of ALL currently attached referenced models that have associated URLs, regardless of the current update status. Use this to be certain that all local files exactly match those at the remote location.

Actions > Update Selected Files

Causes only currently selected referenced models to be downloaded and reattached. This allows you to keep a remote copy of a single file, or of a specific set of files, without downloading all new files.