Revit: How to move Central Models to a new location

Issue:

• What is the procedure for migrating central Revit models to a new location?
  
• Is there any automatic way to do it?
  

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Solution:

File-based workshared models:

• To move individual RVT central files to a new location:
  The following help topic has instructions on the tasks needed (Synchronize/Relinquish, Move, Save as Central) to move the central file: Move the Central Model (File-Based Worksharing Only).

• To move a group of linked RVT models to a new location:
  
  • Use the eTransmit utility to package a Revit model along with its linked files for transfer to a new location. After the Transmitter files are moved, when opening in the new location, the member is given the option to save as a central model in the current location.
    
  • It is possible to manually move models to another disk installed on the same local server. It is important to keep the same structure of folders and relations between models (host and links) and the path type for links must be set as Relative.

• To migrate many files to a new server that is replacing the old one:
  The easiest approach in this situation would be to ensure that the new server has the same path to the central files for members as the old one. The way to do this would depend on how members currently access the original server:
  
  • For all cases, you would start by copying the files to the new server while maintaining the original folder structure.
    
  • Mapped Network Drive: Update the workstations so that the new server is mapped to the same drive letter as the old one.
    
  • UNC Path: Rename the old server and change the new server name to match the old one.
    
  • IP Address: Change the IP address of the old server and assign the original IP address to the new server.

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Server-based workshared models:

• To move one or a few models from one server to another, you can use the Revit Server Administrator utility: Managing Models with Revit Server Administrator. 
  
  
• To move all models, or larger groups, go through the following steps:
  
  • Lock the server. 
    
  • Browse to the Revit Server Project Data folder (the default path for this is C:\ ProgramData\Autodesk\Revit Server ####\Projects, but this path can be changed during the installation of Revit Server).
    
  • Move the files to the new server.
    
  • Unlock the new server (if the Lock file is moved along with the model files).

Note: As long as the RSN.ini file has been updated for all the members/systems to include the new server, then Revit is able to find the relocated central models (even when using existing local files). 

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Cloud-based workshared models:

To take a cloud-based workshared model from BIM 360 to the local storage location:
1. Open the cloud-based workshared model.
2. Use the Save As option (specifying a local storage location). The new central model will be saved under the new directory.

Notes:

• If you wish to create a new central file when using file-based worksharing, check the following reference to enable worksharing and create a central model.
  
• If you wish to detach the existing central file and create a new one, choose the option “Detach and preserve Worksets” when opening the model. For more information, check Open a Workshared Project Independent of the Central Model.