Distributing a help file with a database application

[JDRoss]

Dear Tek Tips,

I have been reading some posts on distributing databases as MDE, MDB, Runtime, Comman Line Options, user profile's, etc.

I am looking at the options to have the database as user friendly as possible with application specific menu items for forms, etc. But at the moment I would just simple love to be able to distribute a help file with the database, can anybody help with suggestions for the best way to go about it?

Regards

John

 

[humvie]

I've been using HELPAMATIC.com and works just fine. Very user friendly. You can download a demo from their site. Cost to buy is very reasonable.

I;ve even been able to incorporate several tutorial video clips within my help file. Much easier to use than the traditional help files from MS.

HTH
Ray

 

[humvie]

sorry website is

http://www.helpmatic.net

 

[JDRoss]

Thanks Humvie

I have been using Helpscribble,

http://www.helpscribble.com

for the same purpose. I have the helpfile all ready to go, I am wondering how to have Access incorporate my help file with the application instead of the standard Access help file.

John

 

[ZmrAbdulla]

Hi,

Why should we go for a paid software when Microsoft is offering free?
Check this link

http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/xp/appndx/appa06.htm

It is called HTML Help Workshop
Regards



Zameer Abdulla

http://www.mtkhoory.com

http://www.aikah.com

 

[humvie]

John,

Each form must make reference to the help file in question. For example in the OTHER tab of the form properties type the help file project name in the HELP FILE property field (yourHelpFileName.chm)

Then in the field that you want the user to hit the F1 button to trigger the help file, you enter the contect ID.

That's it.

(you will have to do this for every form and every field you think a user will try to F1 from)

HTH

 

[jrbarnett]

I have tried a slightly different approach which works in some cases as it becomes far more maintainable than an ordinary HLP or CHM file:

1. Create a table in the database with a subject line, memo field and an index number as a primary key.

2. Create a form to display the subject line and memo details with the usual print and close buttons etc.

3. On your normal user interface forms have a help button which calls a one line function something similar to:

Public Function (intHelp As Integer)
DoCmd.OpenForm "Helpscreen", WhereCondition := "Index=" & intHelp.
End Function

and pass across the index number of the appropriate screen.

This approach works great when you have the following scenario:
a) Users don't know much about computers and don't realise that pressing F1 is a general convention for opening the help screen.
b) You want an easy way to amend help information without creating a new system (just update the files).
c) This is done on a per screen basis and can include information about how to do it.

The main disadvantage is there is no way of including pictures/screenshots/videos.

John