Unable to auto expand topics when loading help pages with F1

[Alix_Louise]

Hi,

Within out application we have been restricted to using Microsoft Compiled HTML Help. I am over familiar with this format and have come across an issue with topics not auto expanding when pages are launched.

We have integrated Context Sensitive Help but I have found when launching the application using F1 that while it loads the relevant topic it does not expand the menu to the relevant section. I found a thread that suggested I needed to set the TOC properties checkbox so 'Always Show Selection' was checked but this has not worked.

I am using Robohelp 8 version 8.0.0.203.

Can anyone please advise if this is possible using this output and if so advise on how we can get it to work.

Thanks

Alix

[Alix_Louise]

I have been unable to resolve this. Can anyone please advise??

[RoboColum_n_]

You do indeed need the "Always Show Selection" option checked but you also need the Auto Synchronise TOC option checked in the window properties.

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The RoboColum(n)

@robocolumn

Colum McAndrew

[Captiv8r]

Hi there

Technically, the Always Show Selection option does not need to be enabled. It's simply a nicety and being kind to your user so that it is highlighted in the TOC hierarchy. But it has zero bearing on whether the TOC auto expands.

Cheers... Rick

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[Alix_Louise]

Thanks for coming back to me.

Should the option Auto Synchronise TOC option be in the same properties area as the 'Always show' option or is it located somewhere else?

Regards

Alix

[Captiv8r]

Hi there

The auto-synchronize TOC option is in your Window Properties.

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7, 8 or 9 within the day! Adobe Certified RoboHelp HTML Training SorcerStone Blog RoboHelp eBooks

[RoboColum_n_]

Right click on your window and select Properties. It is in there.

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The RoboColum(n)

@robocolumn

Colum McAndrew

[Alix_Louise]

The option to do this is greyed out!

I did some research which suggested that this is because the original project was not HTML help. New projects automatically launch as web help.

Can I activate the option or create a project where the default is HTML help as I can't see anything that allows me to do this?

Regards

Alix

[RoboColum_n_ · Accepted solution]

You don't need to create a new project. Just:

1. Set Microsoft HTML Help as your default single source layout. Right click on it to do this.
   
2. Create a new Window. Right click again on a window and select New Window.
   
3. Set the option in the window.
   
4. Change the properties of your Single Source layout to use the new window.

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The RoboColum(n)

@robocolumn

Colum McAndrew

[Guest]

I am using RH v9 and need to have the left column topic expanded/highlighted when an F1 topic is displayed.

Does this topic apply to RHv9?  For Step 3, "Set the option in the window." i assume refers to  'Always Show Selection' .

I don't see this option (or anything like it) in new Window properties.

I appreciate your help.

[Captiv8r]

Hi there

I think we need more info here. Just to confirm, are you creating CHM output?

If you really are, there are actually two places you need to look.

FIRST, examine the Window properties for the CHM file. Open the Project Set-up pod and double-click the CHM window definition. Ensure the Auto-synchronize TOC option is enabled. Likely it will be as I believe that's the default.

Once that's been checked and possibly set, examine the Single Source Layout properties. Specifically, click the Edit... button next to the Advanced Settings label. Then click the TOC Styles tab on the dialog that should be produced. Enable the option to Always Show Selection.

Cheers... Rick

[Guest]

Yes, it is for CHM. One thing, though, my output is a single CHM with two frames: the frame on left is topic nav tree and frame on right displays topic. I note this because your screen shot looks like a different setup. Thank you for the additional information. I will see if this solution works for my project and reply back again.