How can I work offline and then re-synch with version control in SharePoint?

Report · Feb 24, 2015

I am using RoboHelp 11 with SharePoint 2010 for version control. How can I work off-line and then re-synch my files with SharePoint when reconnected?

If I allow the connection to SharePoint to remain while working remotely through VPN, I am constantly annoyed by notices that "the underlying connection is lost."

Thanks!

Carol

Report · Feb 25, 2015

Until/unless a solution is available here's my proposed work-around:

1.Check in all files from my primary project to SharePoint. (I have only one project.)

2. Duplicate the project that is linked to SharePoint. Name it "Off-Line Project" so that I am always aware of the project I'm working on. Don't link Off-Line Project to source control/SharePoint.

3. Before working off-line, import or overlay the latest version of all content (html) files from the SharePoint-linked project into Off-Line Project.

4. Work off-line using only Off-Line Project.

5. Returning to the office, get the latest version of all files from SharePoint. (eventually, I won't be the only person working on the project) import (or maybe just overlay using Windows Explorer?) the files I've worked on from Off-Line Project to the primary project.

Feedback? Suggestions?

Report · Feb 26, 2015

You can try checking out the entire project and all files you need to work on before you leave the office. Only you will be able to change them. When you return at the office, check everything in again. You can't add new files though, as RoboHelp will expect SharePoint to be able to add the new files.

As a workaround, you can work in an offline project. Once ready, you can overwrite changed topics and import new topics. But when you start working with multiple people in one project, you have to make sure you're not overwriting any of their work.

Kind regards,

Willam

Report · Feb 26, 2015

Thanks for responding, William. The primary issue is what RoboHelp does in a fragile WIFI/VPN environment. Whenever the connection to the source control repository is lost, RoboHelp displays the error message about losing the underlying connection. This can happen every few minutes, making it impossible to work.

The issue is that RoboHelp doesn't offer a way to only temporarily work offline without permanently losing connection with source control.

I suppose I could (check out exclusive) and then edit files with another tool like Dreamweaver when working offline. Hmmm.

Report · Mar 02, 2015

I believe not working offline is by design (unless you check out everything). When you check out the project exclusive, you should be able to use RoboHelp to edit the files.