Activating HTML Help in my VFP8.0 App

[ctunabar]

I've written a VFP8.0 application that uses HTML help. The help file is a compiled html help file. I use the command Set Help to "xx.chm". I have this program installed on my development machine and when I press F1, or invoke help from a menu, the HTML comes up fine with the correct context. I've installed the same application on another computer, but the help will not activate. Both computers run WinXP and both have all the required files. Does anyone know why this might be happening and what I can do to correct it. It seems strange that help would work correctly on one computer and not the other. Thanks in advance for your replies and help.

 

[wgcs]

Are you distributing the CHM to the target computer? It should not be "included" in the EXE/project, but should be a separate file.

- Bill

Get the best answers to your questions -- See FAQ481-4875.

 

[Stella740pl]

Also, check if any other HTML help works well on that other computer. Seriously.

We also have WinXP, and my machine runs help fine, and my colleague's machine doesn't - regular VFP help, not custom-made for an application. Since those WinXP computers were just recently installed instead of older ones with WinNT, he just assumed that VFP Help cannot be run under WinXP, until I told him that mine is OK.

When we tried to find the problem, it turned out that something is wrong with Windows XP program that runs HTML (\WINDOWS\hh.exe). It just returns errors with all .CHM files, not just this one. Probably, in his case, WinXP has to be reinstalled. Check yours.

Stella

 

[ctunabar]

The .chm help file comes up fine when I click it separately on the other user's computer, it just won't activate from VFP. And as I said, it works fine from the VFP app on my development computer. The .chm file is distributed separately and not "included" with the project. Any other ideas????

 

[rgbean]

While this article deals with VFP 7.0, maybe there is a similar "problem" with 8.0.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q314296

- "PRB: HTML Help Does Not Work from VFP Application"

Did you install your application on the user's system with the provided InstallShield Express?

Rick

 

[Rich196]

I have the exact same scenario and I have used Installshield Express to install. When I executed hhupd.exe on the target machine I got a message saying there was a newer module already installed. Was there ever a resolution or does anyone have any other ideas? I have tried everything I know.

Thanks in advance...
Rich

 

[craigsboyd]

The #1 reason that context sensitive HTML help doesn't work with VFP application installs is that the developer doesn't include FoxHHelp8.exe and FoxHHelpPS8.dll (substitute VFP version number accordingly) in their installs as rgbean's provided MS link points out.

As for your message when executing hhupd.exe, please note the following:

Windows XP, 2000, ME, and 98 users should not run Hhupd.exe. Any urgent updates will be handled by means of service packs or Windows Update.

http://www.sweetpotatosoftware.com

 

[Rich196]

I included those files (foxhhelp8.exe and foxhhelpps8.dll)in step 2 of the install project which produced the setup.exe and it made no difference. I also tried including the help merge module even though the MS article 314296 states that "including the merge module (MSM) with a VFP 7.0 application has no effect" just in case in VFP 8 there was a change. As expected it made no difference. Since I did not copy the files manually so I did not run the foxhhelp8 /regserver command.

The app I built on the development machine still works fine. I even installed the setup on the development machine and help still did not activate.

Help! My hair is getting thinner!

Rich

 

[Rich196]

I forgot to say I have the following modules included:
dphelp.chm
dphelp.hhp
dphelp.hhk

I also have SET HELP TO sys(2004) + "dphelp.chm" in main.

 

[Rich196]

T problem is solved. I did have the .chm file included in the project. Now it works like a charm. Thanks again for your help.

Rich

 

[craigsboyd]

Rich196,

I'm not sure I understand what the solution was, you removed the chm file from your project then?

http://www.sweetpotatosoftware.com

 

[Rich196]

Right, I had included the chn file in the project and I removed it in the project info files screen and it worked like a charm. I did not read wgcs's post above correctly.
My mistake.

Rich

 

[wgcs]

I'm glad you worked it out finally!

- Bill

Get the best answers to your questions -- See FAQ481-4875.