webhelp map ids calling wrong topics

[Jan7272]

I converted several projects from RH5 Word to RH5 HTML and then up to RH8 HTML. The image popups, styles, map IDs, links all appear correct. However, when I build a Webhelp, the assigned topics are changed. Therefore, when the application calls the context sensitive map ID, the wrong topic displays. I've checked all the RH project files and all the map IDs are correct before I build. It doesn't matter whether I use the legacy map files or create a new bsscdefault file, the same problem occurs. The developers call the context sensitive by map ID through the rhc file and this cannot be changed. Does anybody have a fix or can tell me what to do to the project file so that it builds correctly? thanks. PS - we thought it was a problem with the whstart.js template. We changed the variable "sParam" and the map ID then displayed the correct context sensitive topic but the content,search, glossary, index javascript broke and those functions wouldn't display from the skin.

[Willam van Weelden · Accepted solution]

Hi,

So your develpers are using the _rhc.htm file, right? Exactly how are they calling the help? The _rhc file is a legacy file and the inner working may have changed from older versions to RH8. If I remember correctly, the file whstart.js only takes over the CSH call after it has been parsed but the _rhc start file. Anyway, as far as I can make out from your post, I gather that your developers will need to (slightly) amend the call (or you will have to replace the _rhc file with your own that redirects to the project using the regular CSH call.)

For example:

http://yourhelp/startfile_rhc.htm#1

Will NOT call the topic with MapId 1, but the topic with WebHelp internal id 1. To get the topic with map id 1, use the following call:

http://yourhelp/startfile_rhc.htm#context=1

If you want to add the map number after the hash, you will need to use the _csh start file. You will probably find the following article usefull: http://www.wvanweelden.eu/robohelp/context_sensitivity_in_webhelp/methods_for_calling_Webhelp/_rhc_s...

Greet,

Willam

[Jan7272]

Thanks for getting back to me. Yes, the developers are calling the rhc file. An example of the call is: 

https://140.139.214.195/webhelp/3.1.2.0.4/am/am_um_rhc.htm#89

and then the topic opens, but instead of the inbox topic, it displays the wrong one and the address displays as:

https://140.139.214.195/webhelp/3.1.2.0.4/am/prime_sub_relationship_overview.htm

So is this what they need to call?

https://140.139.214.195/webhelp/3.1.2.0.4/am/am_um_rhc.htm#context=89

cheers,

Jan

[Willam van Weelden]

Hi Jan,

That's right. The call you are using calls using an internal id, whatever it's good for. You can test the new call by opening a new browser window and pasting the link in the address field. (Will probably not work if a RH project is open in that window.)

The URL will be rewritten by the WebHelp so the URL don't be surprised when the CSH url is not left in the address bar.

Greet,

Willam

[Jan7272]

it works great Willam! the developers agree but say that we cannot implement it because it would require a client software build so for now they want us to copy the contents from the csh into the rhc.