Unused Files in RH version6

[SangyD]

Hi,

In RH project if I click Tools>Reports>Unused Files, that brings up many files about 200 or so. These are of all File types like – ali, bmp, brs, cab, chm, css, dot, ds, gif, glo, hhk, hhp, hpr, htm, ico, jar, jpg, js, mpj, psd, skn, xml and zip. So as the name says unused files, are these files of no use? How they are detected as unused files? Should I go ahead and delete them? On one place I read that I should re-import them. I am not sure why would i do that when these unused files are already there?

Thanks for your help

Sangeeta

[RoboColum_n_]

Hi Sangeeta.

I have never known the Unused Files report to be wrong so it should be safe to delete them. The reports lists files located inside the project's directory which RoboHelp is not currently using. For example if you create a new project it comes complete with various files that enable you to publish more or less straight away (e.g. style sheets - .css files). However if you don't use them, they remain in the directory.

From the list you provide though I see some files that are not normally reported. For example .BRS, .HHK, .HHP, HPR etc., etc. These are RoboHelp project files so I'd be more wary about deleting these. Are there other files with these extensions in the project directory? If so, it may be safe to delete them. If in doubt, take a backup of the project before doing anything.

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[Peter Grainge]

Detection is by RH checking whether any of the items are referenced in any topic. Usually it is entirely safe but as with any procedure like this, make a backup first so that if it goes belly up, you can get back the files you need.

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@petergrainge

[Peter Grainge]

My experience is a little different to Colum's, particularly pre RH7. The occasions when it is wrong are rare but they do occur.

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@petergrainge

[SangyD]

Actually, one question still remains for me that where do I delete these files from since we use version control software (Visual Source Safe)?

Thanks,

Sangeeta

[SangyD]

Thank you both, Colum and Peter for your replies and information.

Have a great day,

Sangeeta