The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 4 (of 5) - How do I create RTF compilable with WinHelp (HLP)?

How do I create RTF compilable with WinHelp (HLP)?

I am maintaining an old application which has a HLP file, with source (RTF files).

I need to edit the files.

If I use Word 2003, the WinHelp compiler doesn't accept the files as valid input.

Everybody says I need Word 2.0, but there is no way I can get that.

Is there any editor which outputs WinHelp-compatible RTF files?

Thank you!

George
Tuesday, March 30, 2004

Have you tried using WordPad? I don't know if it will work. I used to use Word 6.0 when I was writing Windows help files.

John Topley (www.johntopley.com)
Tuesday, March 30, 2004

I use Word 2000 to edit rtf help files.

I think all you need to do is use a newer version of the help compiler (e.g. the one available in Visual Studio .Net).

I'm almost certain that you will be able to use the help file produced by the newer compiler in your old application.

njkayaker
Tuesday, March 30, 2004

There is a help compiler in the office resource kit for 2003.

Philippe Back
Tuesday, March 30, 2004

> Is there any editor which outputs WinHelp-compatible
> RTF files?

RTF (Rich Text Files) are just text files. You can edit these files in any text editor.

Jussi
Tuesday, March 30, 2004

RTF has a very strange syntax.

While I already edit them in the text editor, I would like to edit them FASTER.

George
Tuesday, March 30, 2004