Can't find location of error

[dorcutt]

So, I've come across an error of "Found non-table cell inside table row." My issue is that I didn't notice when this first cropped up somehow, and now I have no idea which table in my project (or even which topic!) is causing this error. If I find the table, I'm sure I can resolve it.

I've searched the forums, and there are a number of threads on the subject, but none that give any idea how to find which topic this might be occurring in. Anyone have any ideas?

[doc_guy]

When do you see the error? Typically Flare shows errors when you open a topic (or file) that has the problem, or during the build process. If it is during the build process, then look in the log at the file that was modified just before the error is added to the log. Sometimes you can deduce what file would be next from looking at that log. If it isn't during the build process, or if you can't find it any other way, I have done the following to find errors: create a duplicate of your current project. Start out by deleting about half of the topics in the content folder and then opening the project in Flare. Go to the point where you normally see the error. If you still get the error, then close the project, delete half of the remaining topics, and try again. Rinse and repeat until you no longer see the error in the project. Now you know in which batch of topics the error is. Gradually add files back into the project until the error shows back up.

It's a pain, but it is a way to narrow down which file is causing the problem.

[dorcutt]

Thanks, great tips Doc Guy.

The error was happening when I built my HTML5 output. Strangely, it just suddenly stopped appearing as suddenly as it appeared, so problem solved? This is the sort of thing that makes me nervous and makes me glad that I have source control.

Next time, I'll know to investigate immediately when I see an error like that. I was busy, pushed through it, and only then realized the error was not a hyperlink. Lesson learned.

[dorcutt]

Ah HA! This popped up again while editing my master page, and I got it.

In case this helps anyone else out, the issue was a comment. I had added a comment inside a table row, but not inside a table cell. Even though it was just a comment <!-- -->, Flare objected strenuously any time I did anything involving the master page. Putting the same comment inside the table cell did the trick.