Reverse Engineering CHM but CSH Data AWOL

This forum is for all Flare issues related to the Microsoft HTML Help target.
This target produces "CHM" files in the output.
Post Reply
Sean
Propeller Head
Posts: 57
Joined: Mon Apr 14, 2014 7:45 am

Reverse Engineering CHM but CSH Data AWOL

Post by Sean »

Hi,

I have projects to update for which only a CHM exists. I have found that using these to start a project in Flare 11.1 works admirably.

However, the original CHM was set up to be context sensitive, but none of that context sensitive data seems to persist in the resulting project. That is, htm file mapping against IDs is not there and the .h is missing.

Any ideas how or if it is possible to recover that context-sensitive information?

Cheers,

Sean
NorthEast
Master Propellus Maximus
Posts: 6359
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2007 8:33 am

Re: Reverse Engineering CHM but CSH Data AWOL

Post by NorthEast »

If Flare didn't import it, I'd suggest getting Microsoft's HTML Help Workshop, and try that to decompile the CHM.
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/librar ... 85%29.aspx

Once you've decompiled the help, look at the .hhp file.

The ALIAS section will contain the identifier->topic mappings.
The MAP section will contain the header file information; as either a list of identifier->values, or a link to the .h file.

The header is easy to add to Flare, as it'll already be in the right format.
The alias will take a bit longer, as you'd have to rework that it into Flare's alias XML format.
Sean
Propeller Head
Posts: 57
Joined: Mon Apr 14, 2014 7:45 am

Re: Reverse Engineering CHM but CSH Data AWOL

Post by Sean »

Thanks. Flare did import it, but I had also tried the HTML Help route via Microsoft. Thanks for your post; I'll look at the sections you mentioned and see if I can create a header file from there.
Post Reply