Sharing chm file through email

[Anandhi_Ghiri]

Hi all,

I am relatively new to Robohelp. 

I have created a chm file and when I tried to send it through email (after zipping), I am getting the antivirus alert like this, and it is not getting attached to the mail. Can you please guide me how to get it resolved? Or if there is any alternative to sharing my chm file that also would be greatly helpful. 

Awaiting an early response to my query from this elite forum. Thanks in advance. 

[Peter Grainge]

CHM files were identified over twenty years ago as being a security risk, hence the warning. Putting them in a zip file doesn't help as the contents of the zip file get examined as well.

You need to use a file transfer service such as wetransfer.com (2gb limit, you need to register and create a free account), https://fromsmash.com (2gb limit, no registration) or some similar service. 

Not the point of your question but as you are new to RoboHelp, I have to ask why are you using CHMs. They are an old technology to the point that Microsoft no longer support them. To create a CHM, the Microsoft compiler is required and that is no longer available on their site. 

You should be considering either HTML5 or Frameless outputs. Going forward Adobe will be focussing development on frameless outputs so I recommend considering frameless templates for your project. Other than bug fixes, it is unlikely there will be any changes to HTML5 outputs. 

________________________________________________________

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

[Anandhi_Ghiri]

Thank you Peter Grainge, point is noted. 

Yes, I have seeen other output presets in RH. But looks Frameless or HTML5 has to be hosted on a server while the CHM file can be sent across as a separate file. So I preferred CHM over other outputs. 

[Peter Grainge]

HTML5 and frameless do not have to be on a server, they can also be installed locally. There may be a slight difference in speed locally but nothing most people would notice.

Generate on of the sample projects locally and see what you think.

________________________________________________________

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

[Anandhi_Ghiri]

I got the point Peter Grainge, but when we install them locally, we can not share it with other associates across locations know? How to go about it?

[Peter Grainge]

Can they not install on their server or locally on users machines?

CHMs have to be installed locally on users machines as they cannot run from a server.  For that reason, how is HTML5 or Frameless different? See https://www.grainge.org/General_Authoring/CHMs/CHMs_on_a_Network.htm

________________________________________________________

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

[Anandhi_Ghiri]

Hi Peter Grainge, 

I think I am confused :-). I have been thinking the chm file is just like some other file. Like I create the chm file from Robohelp and send it across to my colleagues. They get the chm and view the file. simple. But, at first they were unable to view the contents of chm and i instructed them to go to Properties and select the 'Unblock' option. Then they can able to view the contents. So in my view, the viewers dont need to have any servers to view the chm file. They can just double-click and view the file.

But in case of HTML5/Frameless output, i should host on a server and share the index.html url to my colleagues to view and navigate the pages know? 

[Peter Grainge]

That has clarified your set for me.

With your CHM setup, once the users have the CHM and reset the Properties, it is running locally and that's fine. The CHM is weak on modern features but that's for you to decide.

You could send a zipped HTML5 or Frameless output and the users would have to unzip the output to some folder and use the index.htm file to open the output. It would give them more features in the help but depending on their skill level, the setup may be more confusing.

________________________________________________________

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

[Anandhi_Ghiri]

Thanks Peter Grainge, I got it. But by doing this way, the entire folder structure and files will be made visible to all users and there might be chances of accidental deletion as well. Also it may not be suited for larger audience right? Anyways, as you said I can share the zipped file with an instruction to open the index.html to view. Thanks again Peter! Much appreciations to your patience in replying all my queries however silly it is. 🙂 

[Peter Grainge]

I think we are agreed. 

For a larger audience installing on one server would be better but that might not be an option, your call.

Nothing silly in your questions. This will be a useful thread for anyone in the same position to see their options.

________________________________________________________

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