Expanded air files

Question

Hello,We're using RoboHelp software to create our help files. The output is generated as .air file.For deployment we're using InstallShield Basic MSI projects.In order to include the help files we have 2 options:1. Include the .air file in the IS MSI and run the AdobeAir installer (silent, eventually) to install the air files.2. Include the expanded (installed somewhere and copied) help files / folders in the IS MSI and just copy them on the target machine. The expanded air files/folder do not require any other registration, etc, in order ru be used.The first option would be the correct one, but I have 2 problems:- I cannot (simply) fully identify the airinstaller.exe location (Versions/1.0/Ressources) considering that the '1.0' could be different on client's machine;- A proper AdobeAir install will record the help package in the installed programs which will look weird as a distinct piece of software from our installed product.So, I want to try the second option. This implies that the RoboHelp output .air file has to be first deployed (expanded) in order to get the list of files and folders.Is it possible to set up RoboHelp so it generates all these files directly?We are working exclusively under / for Windows OS.Thanks,Ioan

Peter Grainge · Accepted Answer

OK, so I understand that is not possible right now.

(sorry, I'm not the technical writter, but the software developer which has to prepare the build and the install package, I don't use RoboHelp).

Thanks,

Ioan

Sorry but I wouldn't like to expand the files on one PC and then copy them to another. I suspect your app requires a proper install with registry keys and so on, so does the AIR file. The .AIR file is an installer, not just a zip file.

Also the end users PC has to have the AIR runtime and either the end user has to install that or you have to get a licence from Adobe. That is not difficult and there is no cost.

The help gets installed as a program so try copying the program from one PC where they have been installed properly to another PC doing it the way you are planning. However, even if it does work, there could be later problems with updates and so on.

I suggest you take a look at the pages on my site about AIR help. I think you will find it is all more complex than just copying some files.

See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips

@petergrainge

Jeff_Coatsworth · Answer

I suppose you could install it first on your machine, then zip up all the expanded files and package that - but I've never done it like that.

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