Question

custom help guide

Asked by: LadyHagood

Trying to create custom help guide for users in an access 2003 database. I have heard that you can "replace" the generic help guide with a custom one. Can someone please point me in the direction of more info on this topic.  Thanks.

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Asked On
2009-11-04 at 15:17:25ID24872937
Topics

Microsoft Access Database

,

Access Forms

,

Access Architecture/Design

Participating Experts
3
Points
300
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: thenelsonPosted on 2009-11-04 at 17:27:21ID: 25745976

A2003 uses an HTML help system. You can do it in a text editor, Microsoft Word or HTML editor. However it is a big job since there is so much to cover so there
are many utilities to simplify creating a help system.  Here are a few.

http://www.helpscribble.com/
http://danish-shareware.dk/soft/shelpm/
http://frogleg.mvps.org/helptechnologies/
http://www.helpmatic.net/
http://www.acc-technology.com/hpwiz.htm
http://www.helpndoc.com/
http://www.4tops.com/help_and_documentation_for_microsoft_access.htm

Once the help file is created, it is or fairly simple matter to attack the DB to it. Type "Create custom Help " in access help for how to do it. Then it is a time consuming job to link F1 in all the forms, reports, controls to the correct help topic.

 

by: LadyHagoodPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:03:38ID: 25750867

I have heard about the microsoft compiler : Microsoft HTML Help 1.4 SDK.  Is this a free application do you know?  Should this do the trick. Found info here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms670169(VS.85).aspx but i am so unfamiliar with this territory.

 

by: boag2000Posted on 2009-11-05 at 09:02:00ID: 25751545

<but i am so unfamiliar with this territory. >
...Then buy a dedicated program to do this for you.

As Nelson stated, this can end up being quite complex, depending on your exact needs.

FWIW, I have heard great things about RoboHelp as well.
http://tryit.adobe.com/us/robohelp/?sdid=FBLWP


If your needs are relatively simple then you can always make a generic, "Plain Jane" help system embedded in your application using tables and forms.
This can perhaps be done with the skills you have already.

JeffCoachman


 

by: DatabaseMXPosted on 2009-11-05 at 09:22:21ID: 25751736

Whereas RoboHelp is still probably the best tool available, it's also the most expensive @ $999, although it does include Photoshop CS4.

I would take a close look at the 4Tops product posted by nelson above ... the Query Tree editor is very cool ... if that is any indication.
http://www.4tops.com/help_and_documentation_for_microsoft_access.htm

mx

 

by: boag2000Posted on 2009-11-05 at 12:04:37ID: 25753341

:-O
Geeze, I didn't know it was that much!

 

by: DatabaseMXPosted on 2009-11-05 at 12:22:36ID: 25753529

I clicked on the link :-)   ha ha ha!

mx

 

by: DatabaseMXPosted on 2009-11-05 at 12:22:57ID: 25753536

But still ... a *good* recommendation in any case.

mx

 

by: boag2000Posted on 2009-11-05 at 12:46:04ID: 25753820

Yeah, again whenever a help system question comes up, it seems that RoboHelp is always mentioned.

So I knew it was a good tool.
I just didn't think it was $999 "Good"

I think I'll I'll stick with "HoboHelp"

LOL!

 

by: DatabaseMXPosted on 2009-11-05 at 12:53:15ID: 25753888

Or BubbaHelp ...

mx

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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