Why might a Winhelp Search tab display as blank?

Report · Mar 15, 2011

I am using Robohelp 7 to generate a stand-alone winhelp file for a client, i.e., there is no application associated with this help file, and the client does not have Robohelp installed. To make the help file run, I have given him the HLP and CNT files as well as the ROBOEX32.DLL file. When he puts all of these files into the same folder, he can see and use the Contents and Index tabs of the compiled file. He can also see the Search tab, but when he tries to use it, it displays as blank, i.e., clicking on the Search tab opens the Wizard as usual; after clicking Finish, though, the Search tab comes up blank.

I have tried running the compiled help file on my home computer (HLP, CNT and the DLL), and all tabs work fine; my home computer does not have Robohelp installed, so it doesn't seem to be a missing file issue for the client. Does anyone know which files (if any) are necessary for the Search tab to work properly (e.g., DLLs??)? The only thing I can think of at this point is that the client's work security protocols are blocking these files somehow. Thoughts?

Report · Mar 16, 2011

Two things here:

The HHACTIVEX.DLL file needs to be installed AND registered.
What version of Windows is your client using. I believe it was Windows Vista that stopped having the WinHlp32.exe file installed. Check that this is installed fully.

The RoboColum(n)

@robocolumn

Colum McAndrew

Report · Mar 16, 2011

Thanks for your prompt response! Is the HHACTIVEX.DLL file needed for winhelp (I have seen discussions about its role in HTML help, but not winhelp)? Where does the HHACTIVEX.DLL file come from? the operating system? The reason I ask is b/c I can run the compiled HLP file on my home computer with all tabs working properly, and that computer has never had Robohelp installed on it, but it runs Windows XP. If I can find HHACTIVEX.DLL on that computer, I will try this solution with my client. In the meantime, if you have any other thoughts on what might be happening here, I'd be happy to hear them!

The client is using Windows XP, so he has the WinHlp32.exe file installed. This file will become an issue in the near future, though, when the client's workplace moves to Windows 7 ... webhelp, here we come!

Report · Mar 16, 2011

Sorry for misleading you. You are right in that the HHACTIVEX.DLL file is not required for WinHelp - I misread your initial post. Would the lack of search results be down to the PC spec?

The RoboColum(n)

@robocolumn

Colum McAndrew

Report · Mar 16, 2011

Hmmm, I don't seem to be able to access any of these links; in each case, the page comes up with just a small image in the upper left corner. Can you tell me the gist of their messages, or send a different link perhaps? I don't use linked in or twitter (or any other social networking tool for that matter); is that why I can't see the content?

Just to clarify, my client can't use the Search tab at all because it displays blank, i.e., with no text box into which he can type a search term. Any further thoughts you might have toward a resolution would be most appreciated!

Report · Mar 16, 2011

I'm sorry but it has been such a long time since I created WinHelp that my memory is getting scarce. I don't ever remember seeing or hearing about this though. What happens if you navigate to a topic via the TOC that should bring back a result in the search? If you can see the content, I am at a loss as to what is going on. That is why I asked about the PC spec of the end user.

Don't worry about those links. They are just elements of my signature file. BTW you should be able to access them without being on Linkedin, Twitter, etc. They are just web links.

The RoboColum(n)

@robocolumn

Colum McAndrew

Report · Mar 17, 2011

Yes, configuration of the client's PC may well be the issue. He works for government, so security protocols are cumbersome. Thanks for trying to help. My next step may be to approach my client and ask about getting help from his tech folks. In the meantime, if you think of something that might help, I'd be most grateful to hear it! Many thanks!

Report · Feb 13, 2012

This was posted a long time back, but if still an issue - here are two possible causes:

1. The windows/help folder on the user's machine is set read-only by company policy. The search index files (xxx.fts) are built here and the search tab will be blank if writing here is denied. You may be able to persuade the IT people to loosen up on the folder access.

2. Old fts files may be lying around., Try a search and destroy for all xxx,fts files. No problem deleting them as they will get rebuil;t by the application