Hyperlinks between html help projects

[Cecily]

I don't think this particular permutation has been asked before.

I am using Flare 8 and I had three projects that built separate html targets, creating three chms.

Then I created a parent project that contained an introduction, a glossary, and imported the other three to create a single chm file containing all the help. (It actually creates four chms, but opening the parent one gives access to all of them.)

The trouble is, I can't seem to create hyperlinks that work between the projects, even though I'm sure there must be a way.

Insert Hyperlink > External File creates what looks like a working link, without errors, but it doesn't actually work (perhaps because the links include hardcoded paths?).

The other option I am considering is putting everything into the parent project. That is possibly the better option long-term, and may be easier, but is likely to be very time-consuming (the child projects are not consistent in their use of master pages, which folder images and htms are stored in, how conditions are used etc, so every link and image on every help page would need checking). Is this the better option, and if so, are there any "gotchas" I should look out for?

[Psider]

There should be a HTML Help File entry, which is what you want to use to link to chms. It lets you select the chm and easily navigate to the topic you need within the chm. However it also requires you to copy the chm you are linking to into the project.

I tend to enter my links to merged chms manually, as I find this behaviour infuriating - I've had too many problems with the incorrect chm being incorporated when the product is completely modular, and it isn't necessary in the basic HTML Help Workshop provided by Microsoft. Anyway, enough grumbling. (and I admit I haven't tried it with Flare) Below is the path style you want, if you decide you want to enter the path manually.

This is the format you want for the the link, assuming all your chms will be installed into the same folder:
<a href="MyHelp.chm::/MyFolder/MyTopic.htm">See my topic in the MyHelp file</a>

The bit after the colons is an relative path internal to the chm.

MyParentHelp.chm::/Overview.htm
MyChildHelp.chm::/FirstLevel/NextLevel/ActualTopic.chm

Theoretically if your chms will be installed in different folders, you can add a hardcoded or relative path in front of the chm name, but I'd really try to avoid that - I have vague memories that it is a bit flaky.

HTH,
Amber

[Cecily]

Thanks, Amber.

After investigation, I've actually decided to tackle this properly and put everything in one project. There are some hassles with that, but it will be cleaner and leaner in the long run. However, I'm sure your advice will be useful to others.