RoboHelp 2020 Microsoft HTML (CHM) files not loading in help file via software help calls (F1)

[Julie-S]

Hi, I am a new to RoboHelp (and new to HAT software in general). I have inherited a large RoboHelp Help File that was upgraded to RoboHelp 2020. Our help file consists of 23 projects, with a master project that includes links to 22 child html files in the TOC.  The output from RoboHelp is Microsoft HTML (CHM).  The calls from our software use the following format:  <masterprojectname>.chm::/<childprojectname>.chm

The issue I am experiencing is when loading the help file via F1 within my software, I get the following message (see attachment). This is happening everywhere in my software, F1 no longer works where it had before.  Can anyone suggest what I can do to fix?

[Julie-S]

Here is error message to avoid clicking on link:

[Peter Grainge]

I'm guessing that either the CHM is on a network or been downloaded from one.

• If it is the latter I think you right click the file in Explorer and there is a checkbox that selecting or deselecting will fix.
• If you are trying to open it on a network, good luck. Microsoft stopped that 17 years ago. 🙂 See CHM Files Not Working on Network (grainge.org)

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[Julie-S]

Hi Peter, thank you for your quick response.  The .chm files are part of a software build that is installed on a user's local computer drive when they install the software.  You mentioned a checkbox that selecting will fix the issue?  Could you provide more info?

[Julie-S]

Peter, just to add, everything used to work until upgrading to RoboHelp 2020.

[Peter Grainge]

I'm not at a RoboHelp machine right now. If you locate the CHM file in Explorer and select Properties, you should see this check box.

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[Julie-S]

No worries.  Are you referring to the unblock checkbox? Because if so, I don't see that option for some reason when I right-click and select properties.

[Peter Grainge]

That changes things. What version of 2020, see Help > Updates. 

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[Julie-S]

2020.6.76

[Peter Grainge]

I know there were some issues with CHMs in earlier versions but they were fixed to the best of my knowledge. I was about to say I didn't have any further ideas but then one thing occurred to me. I saw that message when the target topic was not in the output.

When you said the output was working before, was that back in Classic or in this version? If it was Classic, I am wondering if a major change to what goes into an output may be the cause. In Classic everything not excluded by tags went in. Now only what is in the TOC goes in. It's all explained at RH2020 The Table of Contents (grainge.org).

Maybe the topic concerned is not in the build.

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[Julie-S]

I am pretty sure it was the Classic version. I will read the link you provided and let you know what I find.  Thanks again, Peter

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

@Julie-S did you regenerate using the RH2020 patch 6 version?

[Julie-S]

Hi Jeff, are you asking if I have regenerated the .chm files since I upgraded to RH2020 patch 6?  The answer is yes.

[Peter Grainge]

Parent first? 

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[Julie-S]

Ah, maybe not.  Let me try that.

[Julie-S]

No, that did not resolve the issue.

[Peter Grainge]

Pretty sure there was a post in the last couple of weeks with the same error message. Not sure if it was resolved.

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