Help! Installing RoboHelp on a Server

[JDSAmy]

I unfortunately don't have all of the computer knowledge that I need to answer this questions myself so I am looking for some help! Our "IT" guy wants to load RoboHelp including the program and all of the files onto our server and run everything off of the server instead of my PC. I know that everything that I have read has stated that you should not save RoboHelp to the server and that you should always save it to your PC. He is stating that this is different since everything would be on the server and we would not be "checking it in and out". Is this true? I don't want them to do this if it is going to risk corrupting all of my RoboHelp projects!

Thank you for your help!

[RoboColum_n_]

Hi JDSAmy. RoboHelp uses an Access database as part of each RoboHelp project. It is this that causes an issue as they are renowned for having problems when run over a network. Corrupted RoboHelp projects can result when the source files are located on a server. The only way to run RoboHelp form a server is to use source control. Then you can save the files to a server but check out to a local drive. Actually I lied. There is a second way. Cross your fingers and throw salt over your shoulder

[Peter Grainge]

Don't let him do it. You will risk corrupting your projects.

It is a breach of the licence to install RH to a server and, more critically, RH will not work properly. The only way to install it is on your PC. See the topic on my site.

[JDSAmy]

I spoke with our IT guy again and he said that what they want to use is a "VM Server" and he claims that it would not have the same issues are a normal server. I just need some verification of my feeling that it would still not work since it is still a server.

Thanks again for your help!

[Peter Grainge]

Getting outside my territory but I don't believe that will work either. The point is that when you are running RoboHelp, YOU must be logged into the PC using your user profile. It sounds like you will be logging onto your PC and then accessing a server, albeit some specialised server. That means RH will be running across a network and will cause issues.

The only setup other than working directly on your PC that has been reported as working is where you log into your PC via remote access server. The important bit though is that you are still using your PC, not a server.

I also repeat that my understanding of the licence is that installation on ANY server is a breach of the licence.

I think you need to liaise with Adobe on this one.

[JDSAmy]

Thanks so much for your help! I will have to check with Adobe and see if they can provide me with some insight on this.

Thanks!