Generating .HLP files from RoboHelp6

[naks26]

Hi all

I've been working on an HTML Help project in RoboHelp 6 (generates CHM file). Now the boss wants me to generate a .HLP file from the project.

Can this be done? If so, how?

Thanks

[RoboColum_n_]

Hi Naks26.

Whilst it is possible I'd ask why your boss wants to do this. Winhelp can not be viewed on Vista PCs unless users download and install a viewer and it is an (argueably) retrograde step in help file delivery.

If you really need to produce a Winhelp file, you'd need to use the RH for Word application which comes as part of your RH Office application. I haven't used this for years but I'm guessing you'd have to produce a Word file from your CHM file and import this into your RH for Word project.

[naks26]

Hi Column

the usual 'it's going to take too long to include the CHM in the software build'. After they told me to go ahead and develop the help in CHM!!!

Column, where do I get the RH for Word? I didn't get it with the download of RH6?

[RoboColum_n_]

RH Office includes two applications. RH HTML which is what you produced your CHM with AND RH for Word which can be used to produce WinHelp files. The later uses an Word environment as the editor and creates RTF files that are compiled into a Winhelp file. So if you have a licence for RH6 you should already have it.

However if your developers are saying they haven't got the time to change the application to take a CHM file, I'd go back to them with estimates of how long it would take you to convert a CHM back to Winhelp. It is far from just a "press a button" exercise, particualrly if you are unfamiliar with the interface.

How long does it take to include a file in a build. That's no excuse. If you are using CSH this would add some effort on their part but if it is just a single call to the help from a menu item there really is no excuse for this response. If you go back with some figures, maybe your boss will reconsider?

[RoboColum_n_ · Accepted solution]

Another thought. If you have used CHM specific features in your help (e.g. DHTML dropdown text) you'll have a lot of tweaking to do with a Winhelp file. Also if I remember correctly, you'll loose any index and TOC when you import your Word file so these would have to be rebuilt.

[naks26]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated 🙂

[Peter Grainge]

How about a CHM to HLP converter?

http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/downloads/ABC_Amber_CHM_Converter_38950_p/

Argue "you got me into this, you get me out, cost $20".

[RoboColum_n_]

Good call Peter but any CHM specific features would more than likely still need reworking. It would get you to a point of generating the source quickly and cheaply though.

[Peter Grainge]

Of course but you had already made that point.