Finding "broken" image references

[jjpaccurev]

In RoboHelp HTML (X5.0.2 Build 801), the "Generate Primary Layout" command does not check the validity of included images -- ones that look like this in TrueCode mode:

<img src="edit.png"

If file "edit.png" is missing (mistakenly deleted, perhaps), nothing is reported in the Output window -- or anywhere else, as far as I can tell. Is there a tool in RoboHelp or elsewhere to help me?

[RoboWizard]

Hi jjpaccurev

My guess is that the image isn't really missing. It's probably there just fine. The problem is more likely that RoboHelp or the Help engine simply doesn't understand it. I've seen others report that the same .PNG image saved using a different application than was used to create it was used and appeared in the help file just fine.

Have you tried converting it to a different format? Possibly .JPG or .GIF?

Cheers... Rick

[jjpaccurev]

Thanks for the fast response, Rick. Believe me, the image file is not on the disk. If I creating an image file with the right name, it appears instantly in RoboHelp. There's no need even to invoke a "refresh" command -- sweet!

I'm in a multi-user environment, and it's all too easy for any file to "go missing". I just need a tool to warn me about such occurrences.

[Peter Grainge]

You said "If file "edit.png" is missing (mistakenly deleted, perhaps), nothing is reported in the Output window -- or anywhere else, as far as I can tell. Is there a tool in RoboHelp or elsewhere to help me?"

RH will not allow you to delete a referenced image so the only alternatives are

- That it was deleted outside RH but if that is what has happened, the reference to that image will remain under the pseudo image folder but with an X against it.

- That it was not referenced in the first instance because of some problem such as Rick describes.

If it is the first scenario, looking under images provides what you want. If it is the second, then I would suggest you go with Rick's suggestion as jpgs and gifs certainly work the way I have described.

You could also try Xenu link checker which is free. Click here.