Creating a Help file for a Database

[crowegreg]

I'm checking to see if anyone has used the custom Help File within the form property sheet?

[June7]

Not sure what you mean by that. Can you provide some more information?

[crowegreg]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/177116

[June7]

That brings back memories. I inherited an unfinished db that had a Help component partially built. I never completed the Help component and eventually totally removed it. However, it used a somewhat different approach.

Do you have a specific issue?

[crowegreg]

I'm in a corporate environment, and before I can test this feature, I have to request my IT Department to install the Microsoft Help Workshop application. I was wondering if this feature is worthwhile.

[June7]

As I said, the approach used in my db was different. Never heard of Microsoft Help Workshop. Doesn't sound like it is required in order to create the context-sensitive help but it appears to be free http://www.microsoft.com/en-eg/downl....aspx?id=21138

Let us know what you think about it.

[John_G]

Hi -

It's a long time since I used it, but I have implemented context-sensitive help, with reasonably good results. MS Help Workshop is a good tool to use, and you do have to have it in order to produce the compiled help files. Bear in mind that the Help Workshop produces help in the old style, not the (IMO) abomination that Microsoft calls help these days.

The beauty of the compiled help file format is that the help files can be opened outside of the Access application, and browsed by users just looking to learn about it, without having be in the application.

HTH

John

[crowegreg]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to give it a try, and see if I like the results. I saw this, and I thought I may do this unstead of creating a manual.