How to Create Help files

[haltonbj]

I'm new to access but I've almost finished a dbase and only need to split the data and finalise the security. I've even written a lousy word manual however how do I amalgamate/create the document as an individual help package within access

I'm sure there are many Accesseloreates that have done this but I've no idea where to start

[PEB]

Ok,

Yeah there are different ways to create help in your access aplication!

Recently for my current application I've choosen html help that is located out of access!

When the user click on ? bouton he is redirected to the respective html document!

It's very easy to do! Only with Word!

Yeah of course there is a standart way to do this! Using help compilers for Windows!

I've 2 one for Win 3.11 and one based on VB program that is easier! I don't keep the links!

With the first one it's real master on IT You need some compiler directives to understand to save your document on rich text format and than to compile it!

:)

[pks00]

Like PEB, I have also used htmlhelp
Its great as u can also create table of contents, have images etc

U can download a version from here
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/de...pdownloads.asp

the above link also contains info on how to use html help



Once u have created your help file, u can call it using WinHelp api
something along these lines

Declare Function WinHelp Lib "user32" Alias "WinHelpA" (ByVal hwnd As Long, ByVal lpHelpFile As String, ByVal wCommand As Long, ByVal dwData As Long) As Long

Public Const HELP_CONTENTS = &H3&

'Calling from a form hence use of Me.hwnd
Call WinHelp(Me.hwnd, "myhelpfile.hlp", HELP_CONTENTS, 0)

[PEB]

And also you can assign the help file in the form property Help file

And redirect the user to the respective topic using the index values assigned in your help file...

The link recommanded by pks00 is excellent...

:)