Deploying HTML Help Systems

Creating and Publishing a Web-Based HTML System

WordToWeb always creates a web-based HTML Help system, even if you elect to also compile the system into a .chm file (see below). The files will be placed in the project directory in the normal way. In addition to the HTML and GIF files, you will find a .hhk file and a .hhc file. These must be posted on your webserver along with the other files.

Depending on the option you chose in the Conversion Options dialog box, your system will use either a Java Applet or an ActiveX control.

If you used the Java applet, you must place the following files in the same directory as your publication:

hhctrl.zip
hhctrl.cab

These files are located in the HTML Help Example Project directory. Note that both of these files are based on HTML Help 1.2. You will want to update these files when Microsoft releases revisions. The files are located in the Java subdirectory under the HTML Help Workshop installation directory. Hhctrl.zip is an uncompressed zip archive containing the Java class files and the GIF graphics used in the system. To update hhctrl.zip use a ZIP utility to replace the existing files with newer versions. Be sure that compression is turned off when you do this.

If you use the ActiveX control, your publication will work only with Microsoft Internet Explorer. To deploy your system, upload HHCTRL.OCX (this file is in your Windows/System directory) to your webserver and note the URL. Then specify this URL in the Conversion Options dialog box, Remote HHCRTL.OCX Location box prior to converting your project.

Internet Explorer will automatically determine whether or not the control needs to be downloaded and will handle the download and installation automatically. The user will see an authentication certificate and will have to approve the installation. Note that users who are running Windows 98 already have the control installed.

Creating a Compiled HTML Help System

• To have WordToWeb automatically compile the system for you, Check the Compile Automatically box in the Conversion Options dialog box (Wizard Panel 6). You also need to specify the path to the HTML Help compiler, hhc.exe.
• To Compile your project manually using HTML Help Workshop, double click the HTML Help project file created by WordToWeb in Windows Explorer. This file has the same name as the WordToWeb project, but ends in ".hhp". HTML Help Workshop will open, and you can then compile the project.

Compiled HTML Help Systems are self contained. You can distribute the .chm file directly to users, or you can place it on a website. For details, please see the HTML Help online help system.

Related Topics

An Overview of HTML Help