--- In MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com, "Art" <dbalorenzini@...> wrote:
>
> I have a custom database which I would like to add a custom help system for each field. Does any one have an example of one or ideas how to approach it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Art Lorenzini
> Sioux Falls
>
Hi Art,
I can only speak from my experience with using help systems.
When I create a project I also create a Help document in Word. I then save individual pieces of it, sort of like TOPICS, as html pages via the save option of Word. I then use a Free utility called Easy CHM which will take all the html pages and convert and combine them into a Compiled help file.
If you open a form in design mode (access) and go to the tab OTHER, you will see Help File. In that place i then place the location of my compiled help file, which was created via the easy chm program....here is an example of what that entry looks like
c:\USC_SENIOR_MENTOR\help1.CHM
Now the Easy chm program will allow you to change topic header and things like that. It also creates a MAP. The map associate a number with each individual topic within your compiled help file.
if you again look at the form in design mode, just below the Help File, you will see Help Context id. In this field you will place a number. This number is created via the easy chm program, it is known as the MAP. For example, in a compiled help file I may have a map that says INTRODUCTION 1001, FORM A 1010, FORM B 1020.
when you enter the number 1010 in that context field, that tell access to open the Help file located at c:\USC_SENIOR_MENTOR\help1.CHM
and navigate within the help file to the whatever topic is associated with 1010. Like a lookup table thing.
Result is as follows: when access is displaying FORM A, AND THE USER HITS THE f1 KEY, the help file is opened and self navigates to the topic mapped to 1010 which in this case is the topic FORM A.
Now additionally you have the option of using the HINTS for each individual field or control.
To use this all you need do is open a form in design mode, highlight a control and goto the TAB OTHER, there you see the field CONTROLTIP TXT. All you need do is type a few words about the control , example, Enter Your Name. Then when the you hover your mouse over the control for a second or two, the HINT ballon will appear and display your Hint.
I hope this helps ?....... I am more than willing to work with you on this. I found it very confusing at first and found very little documentation (NO HELP FILES LOL) on how to do this.
Yours terence
)
