Robohelp2022 - Adding Hyperlink > Local Files

[Lija SN]

Hi, I have two folders - one contains source file and another one is a output folder that contains responsive html and chm.

I have chm reference in one of the topics. (The idea is, the end user can download the chm file from the responsive html topic.)

I want to add a hyperlink. Please let me know the steps.

As of now..this is what I have done.

1. Sourcefile - Select the chm file name example abc.chm

2. Click on Hyperlinks > Local files. Add file:/// abc.chm. click Link.

Is this correct?

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

I haven't done this, but I believe the idea is you add the CHM file as an Asset (used to be called a baggage file in Classic RH) to your project and then make a link to it within the project. Adding it in makes it be included within your output build.

[Amebr · Accepted solution]

Adding the link to the file will add the chm to your assets folder (in a chm subfolder) automatically. Each time you generate your chm you'd need to copy your new chm over that asset file before generating the HTML5 output.

To add the chm as a hyperlink you'll need to do a bit of a workaround as chm isn't one of the acceptable file types in the Open dialog box. Once you browse to the correct folder, delete anything in the File Name field and type *.chm then press Enter. Now you should be able to see the chm file to select.

Finally, if your help is located on a web server on the internet or intranet, rather than locally on your users computers, they may run into security issues when they try to open the chm, as Windows automatically blocks chm files downloaded from the internet, as a security risk. They would need to go in to the file properties to unblock the file. You can see information about a bunch of security blocks here (note the links to the MS knowledge base articles are unlikely to work, but you might be able to find them using the wayback machine if you desperately need further information): http://kb.helpwaregroup.com/ms-html-help/hh_info#HH14f

[Lija SN]

Thanks  @Jeff_Coatsworth , @Amebr 

I have one more question - Is it mandatory to add "file:///" to link local files?

I get a warning message after generating the responsive HTML if I add the hyperlink without "file:///"

why  "file:///"  is mandatory?

[Amebr]

I didn't get an error when I tried it. What is the exact message and where and when do you see it?

[Peter Grainge]

I have created a simple CHM output and imported it into assets. From there I have added it to both the TOC and a topic.

Then in both a frameless and a responsive output I have generated an output locally. In both outputs clicking the link simply downloads the file. The user then has to find that file and open it with the warning that @Amebr gave.

My own take is that is messy and you would be much better off generating a PDF that they can open and/or save.

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My site www.grainge.org includes many free Authoring and RoboHelp resources that may be of help.

[Lija SN]

Thank you.