Need Help with

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Jan 9th, 2001, 10:56 PM
OneSource

Hi.

Does anyone know a simple way to create a Help file for a VB project?

I tried using the "Help Workshop" that ships with VB 6; however, it's confusing and the "Help" is no Help! :(.

A web-based tutorial on this topic that I could study would be ideal. Any suggestions and code examples are welcome.

Thanks.
Jan 9th, 2001, 11:39 PM
Lee M.

I had a similar problem. So I made a HTML document that did it all. Of course I had a web site to link it to...But it was a lot easier than the stupid VB help!
Jan 10th, 2001, 02:19 AM
Chris

Try to learn as much as you can from this web site.

HTML Help Writer

Good Luck!
Jan 10th, 2001, 04:10 AM
alex_read

I either write my help files in HTML & call up the page from vb (which isn't the best idea if they don't have a web browser), or create another form.

The form I set with a textbox & colour it with the tooltip yellow to make it look like a help file. I then use hyperlinks or commandbuttons set to transparent to let the user click on words or pics throughout the file.

1 last thing is if it's a large help file. I either use a text file split into different paragraphs, or several text files to call from the text box in my vb app, to show different pages. Every time a link is clicked in my help file, I keep note of the page either in the registry or a database so I can call this page info for back & forward buttons.
Jan 11th, 2001, 04:04 AM

Freeware Help Author

In the past I have used OASIS a freeware help authoring tool. Its a what you see is what you get style program.
It is quite old now and has not changed very much recently. Also it does not work with the new compiled HTML. However if you want to do the traditional help files it could be useful. It takes a bit of setting up but if you want to do the traditional help files it could be useful.
The URL is:

http://fire.adept.co.za/~oasisdev/

Let me know if this helps
Jan 11th, 2001, 06:03 PM
OneSource

Thanks.

For the responses everyone. I'll explore the options that you all have given me.

It's sad that no one recommends using the "Help Workshop" that ships with Visual Studio.:o If MS monitors this forum, hopefully they will take this as a hint that they need to create a better Help Development System for VB programmers.