Changing the .chm output file name

[tnewland82]

I am currently working with a project that needs to have the .chm output file name changed. The current .chm name has an underscore in it (test_test.chm). However, I need the file name to have a space and not an underscore (test test.chm)

Is it possible to do this? The project was created a while back so spaces in file names may have been accepted by RH at that time. I would greatly appreciate any and all help

[Captiv8r]

Hi there

Assuming that RoboHelp doesn't allow you to change it in the dialog, you should always be able to change the file name in Windows Explorer after you generate.

Cheers... Rick

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[tnewland82]

Hi Rick:

Yes, I can change it in Windows Explorer but this project may be worked on by other parties; therefore, I need to make sure that the output file name is correct. It would cause major confusion if I were to go in and change it after each publish, especially if another writer was not aware of the issue.

I was told to go to File =>Rename Project. I tried to do this but it did not work.

Do you know of any other possibilities?

Thanks!

[Captiv8r]

Hi again

Typically you configure the output file name in the Single Source Layout properties.

Open the Single Source Layouts pod, then right-click the layout and choose Properties.

Cheers... Rick

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[tnewland82]

Unfortunately, no luck. When I configured the output properties the file is still publishing with the underscore(_) in the name instead of the space.

[Amebr]

Just be aware that spaces have traditionally caused issues with chm files. I've included a couple of links with references to space/special character problems.

Helpware.net: HTML Help 1.x FAQ

Microsoft.com: BUG: HTML Help does not correctly merge the .chm files

[tnewland82]

Thanks for your response!

I do understand that spaces can cause issues with file names. Unfortunately the application is currently trying to call the Online Help system with a space in the file name and not an underscore. Right now it would be more work to go into the application and change the .chm name since it is updated "once in a blue moon".

Does anyone know of any way to make the underscore a space or is this something I have to live with?

Thanks!

[RoboColum_n_]

Who is it more work for? Surely your developers can do a find and replace in the code in about 15 seconds. Personally I'd have thought that if they trult understand the difficulties with blanks in the file name it would be enough of an incentive to change the application.

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[Captiv8r]

Hi all

@Colum and Amebr - Spaces in the CHM file name don't seem to be an issue for singular CHM files and tnewland82 hasn't cited any issues thus far by using the CHM in this configuration. This would seem to infer that a merged CHM configuration isn't in use.

@tnewland82 - Can you confirm or deny that for us? Additionally, it would seem that the only recourse for you is to ensure you rename the CHM after it has been created. There doesn't seem to be a way to override things. I would heartily suggest you report this as a bug to the Adobe RoboHelp Development team. Link is in my sig.

And in thinking about this a bit, I'm wondering if you can try the following. Remove the space. Place the cursor insertion point where you want the space to appear. This next bit has to be done using the number pad as it has special encoding. So if you are using a laptop, it will prove to be somewhat of a challenge. Press and hold the Alt key, they type the numpad numbers 0160. You should see a space inserted. See if RoboHelp will accept and retain that.

Cheers... Rick

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