Newbie in deep end: Can't open files as project?

[IcedTea42]

Sorry, I've honestly tried to find a solution.

I've been given a .zip folder full of files, and told to use RoboHelp to compile them into a CHM file.

• My boss just quit without telling me how this is done, and the folks who need them are in India and don't seem to know how my boss performed the magic - they just know she took the files and created a .chm.
• I have an idea what the .chm file is, but I don't know how to start.

The file types in the .zip folder include .jpg, .apj, HTML documents, HHP Backup, HHC Backup, HHK Backup, H files, CPD and CDR, .css, .fpg, images in .gif and .jpg format, .ign, .js, .lng, .phr, .pss, .xpj, .pss, .phr, .ssl files, .stp, .syn, and .txt files.

When I open Robohelp (I have both Word and HTML versions of RoboHelp), the first question is whether I want to open an existing project - which I assume I do:

• I want the existing files to be included in the project
• I don't know anything else about the project: not the main topics, not even the title, so I don't want to try to create something from scratch - I just want to compile the files, if that's possible.

I created a new project anyway, and it seemed to work - the access path is the correct directory and my files are incorperated.

But now, how do I create a .chm using my existing files?

Thank you, thank you!!

[Captiv8r]

Hi there

Basically it's hopefully straightforward.

Unzip the zip archive inside a folder. Perhaps create a folder named Projects and extract it there. See what you get.

Hopefull that will re-create the exact folder structure used.

From RoboHelp HTML, click File > Open and navigate to the .XPJ file and try to open the project that way.

From there, it depends a bit on your RoboHelp version.

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7 or 8 within the day - $24.95! Adobe Certified RoboHelp HTML Training SorcerStone Blog RoboHelp eBooks

[IcedTea42]

Thanks, Rick.

I opened it successfully - how I just need to create a chm file.

Do you know how I do that? (You'd think "help" would help, wouldn't you?)

I'm using RoboHelp 7.00.145 and THANK YOU!

Kim

[Captiv8r]

Hi Kim

To create a CHM file you open the Single Source Layouts pod. (View > Pods > Single Source Layouts).

You should see a layout type named Microsoft HTML Help. If you always want to create that output, right-click it and set it as the primary layout. You can then just click the Quick Generate icon to create the output. (or press Ctrl+M)

Frustrating docs are what helps keep me in business writing books and training materials and facilitating training classes!

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7 or 8 within the day - $24.95! Adobe Certified RoboHelp HTML Training SorcerStone Blog RoboHelp eBooks

[IcedTea42]

Are you in the Atlanta area, perchance?

[Captiv8r]

Unfortunately not. I'm actually in Kansas City, MO.

However, if you are asking if I'm near you for the purposes of training or mentoring, the magick of the internet makes it possible for me to look over your shoulder and coach you along in real time.

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7 or 8 within the day - $24.95! Adobe Certified RoboHelp HTML Training SorcerStone Blog RoboHelp eBooks

[IcedTea42]

...you're right, that was my (misguided) question.

Magick indeed!

Thank you for your help - I needed to generate the file and I have. 

I predict I'll have a lot of challenges after this, but establishing that I can do anything at all is a great first step.  Now I can requisition some real (read: $$$) help to "get me up to speed".

Can I find your rates, etc at http://www.ShowMeSolutions.biz ?