-
1. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
One possibility is to supply the PDF outside the CHM as a separate file and use the HTML Help Shortcut control to open the PDF.
Have you tried that?
Cheers... Rick
-
2. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
Kind of defeats the purpose of a chm which is what was so appealing about having 1 file. I really need these to work. Surely I am not the only one experiencing this but if I am -- someone please help!
Also, is it best to link pdfs and other files from the main project folder or set up a folder like we do with images.
-
3. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
When you reply, there is a camera icon allowing you to add a screenshot. Show us the broken link warning you get.
See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips
-
4. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
I click on the text link and get a blank page with this icon in left corner. I tried having the pdf link open in "New Window" rather than page default and although that seems to correct the issue with chms, it then hoses them up in multiscreen and epub and windows 7 (where they work) so that's not a solution.
-
6. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
I looked at the links you provided and they seem like a lot of workaround and extra code to worry about. It's frustrating to keep patching things in Robohelp that keep breaking and some that never work correctly from the beginning (I have been a user since 1999). These products are expensive. I think developers/users deserve better functionality and product integrity. Most of us have an expectation for the product to work as marketed or it is a poor ROE. I am pretty frustrated at this point as I have a customer deliverable and not being able to open pdfs in chms is unacceptable. Furthermore, unlike webhelp, multiscreen, etc. The beauty of the chm is to have one local file. How do I tell a customer that I have updated their product to epubs, multiscreen html5 for W8 and devices; however, not CHMs-- I'm sorry, you will have put those files on a W7 or XP because the pdfs link functionality doesnt work on the new platforms. Single source - not. Anybody out there have a solution that doesnt involve a bunch of custom code or external files?
-
7. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
Hello again
I do sense your frustration and to be sure, it *IS* very frustrating when you want something that seems so simple on the surface to "just work". But note the links I pointed to aren't even about RoboHelp. What they are about is a Microsoft format (CHM) and working with an Adobe format (PDF). And it's also got some security stuff clouding the issues too. So while you see it as "RoboHelp breaking", that's really not the case. I get that the products are expensive. I too have been a RoboHelp user for a long while. My own personal journey with it began in 1992 at version 2.
If you have been a user since 1999, I'm guessing only in the last few days you have had a need to open PDF inside CHM files? I say that because there have been problems opening PDF stored inside CHM for about as far back as I can remember.
I do wish you the best in finding someone, anyone really that has some really super easy and slick solution that doesn't involve dabbling in JavaScript or whatever to make things work. If it exists, I've not seen it yet and I'd love to find an easier way for everyone to use.
Cheers... Rick
-
8. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
We are way past the ehelp days -- The point is that they worked great at one time (ahh technological progress) and now they dont! Never mind my expectations... what about the end user'?
It's not the extra javacript or coding that "BUGS" me, it's the fact that Microsoft compiled help works one day and then it doesnt work the next and developers have to scramble to find fixes and workarounds (sounds broke to me).
Another point is that it is absolutely Adobe's job to ensure one of their signature products (Acrobat/Reader) works well with the third-party vendor (Microsoft help) that they have integrated into their line of products - ie. robohelp.
I will search on...maybe others will come forward with a fix that doesn't involve hours of coding/recompiling/republishing. You have helped me on other troubleshooting topics over the years -- but, sadly this is a big one...I suggest pulling CHM out as a single source option altogether because as technology continues to advance, this tool is falling far behind the times.
-
9. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
I get your point about CHM and falling sort of "behind the times". I've been a huge CHM fan for seemingly eons. I've loved the ability to package things into a single file and have it ship and the fact there is no external application needed in order for folks to use it on Windows systems.
But here's something that may surprise you.
It's been about a year ago, but I had a conversation with a high ranking Adobe person that advised that Adobe had performed a study and CHM was still among one of the most widely used output types. So that reason alone would seem to mandate that CHM output remain a viable option for the time being.
I do agree that manufacturers such as Adobe have the onus on them to ensure that things such as the PDF reader work as well as they are able. And I do believe they do. But I also realize that in some cases there is little to nothing they can really do. For example, how a CHM file handles something like PDF is totally up to Microsoft to control. And Microsoft hasn't updated the CHM reader in a very long while. Microsoft actually seems disinterested in providing any standard for help systems. I'm also aware that for CHM files, there is a lot of interaction between the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser and the HTML Help viewer. So any changes to the browser *CAN* (and frequently do) break functionality. Now toss in the fact that the PDF viewer also interacts with the browser and you get a very interesting concoction.
Don't even get me started on end user expectations... I click and it doesn't work. I want to click and the coffeemaker turn on, the lights to dim and music to play! LOL
Cheers... Rick
-
10. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
Thanks Rick ... Ok, so like a manager in a business, I am now getting grief on my end because these are not working... it's logical that I look to Adobe and say "what says you" --->
I did log on to the Microsoft site and they apparently show a list of developments regarding this - definitely looks like they are phasing it out which will be heartbreaking for those who like it. I think Adobe may have no choice but to discontinue it soon because it's affectiing the quality of Microsoft Compiled Help outputs as the engine continues to lag behind in develpment and support.
-
11. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
Never used the shortcut feature to link to a pdf or external file -- got a quick tutorial?
-
12. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
Hokay... see if the video linked below helps you get going.
http://screencast.com/t/wJwZBee8x
Cheers... Rick
-
13. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
Easy solution if only it worked... Not in Windows 8 - at least not for me.
Note: I can link a pdf normally and the output to chm will work but if I process a generate to "webhelp to chm converter" to get the nicer skin, it breaks.
-
14. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
In RoboHelp, double click the link to the PDF and in Hyperlink Options, select New Page.
Generate the webhelp and run the script. Works for me. It opens the PDF in a separate window but I don't see that as an issue.
See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips
-
15. Re: linked pdfs from chm do not work in windows 8/explorer 11
Actually I like the pdfs to open in a new window... and yes that was one of the first things I tried BUT when I batch compile single source they become disabed in mutli screen and epub which doesnt like "new page." At this point I have one option and that is to make two links to the same pdf - one using the new page and one using default page and then conditonally tagging them when I batch compile for multiple outputs of the same project.
