BUG: HELPMAKE Allows Only One CrossRef Per Line in RTF Files (71763)

MORE INFORMATION

If you are using a word processor such as Microsoft Word to create a help file, any text that is hidden should be treated as a cross reference. These references enable you to switch between topics in the finished help file. When the file is saved as RTF, the hidden text is preceded with the \v formatting flag.

When there are multiple cross references on one line, the second reference does not work correctly. For example, when the sample RTF help file below is compiled and then run in QuickHelp, choosing the Blue option brings up the BlueHelp, but choosing the Red option produces the following error: This is the line in the source where HELPMAKE incorrectly compiles the second cross reference:

   \par            { Blue}{\v BlueHelp}    { Red}{\v RedHelp}
				

One of the following workarounds can be used to eliminate this problem:

1. Add an underline (\ul), bold (\b), or italic (\i) formatting flag to the second cross reference on the line with the two cross references. For example, with bold formatting, the line will appear as follows:

         \par            { Blue}{\v BlueHelp}   { Red}{\v\b RedHelp}
   						

   -or-
   
   
2. Place the cross references in different paragraphs. For example:

         \par   { Blue}{\v BlueHelp} \par  { Red}{\v RedHelp}
   						

   -or-
   
   
3. Place the cross references on different lines:

         \par   { Blue}{\v BlueHelp} \line { Red}{\v RedHelp}
   						

   Note: Both the \par and the \line options will cause Red to appear below Blue on the help screen (they were originally on the same line). -or-
   
   
4. Create the help file source in QuickHelp format rather than RTF. Information on QuickHelp format is contained in the HELPMAKE documentation and online help.

Sample RTF Help File (TEST.RTF)

HELPMAKE options needed: -s1 -otest.hlp test.rtf

{\rtf0
\par >> QuickHelp
\par >>h.default
\par >>h.contents
\par            { Blue}{\v BlueHelp}    { Red}{\v RedHelp}
\par
\par >>BlueHelp
\par { BlueHelp - Main Screen}{\v h.default}
\par
\par >>RedHelp
\par { RedHelp  - Main Screen}{\v h.default}
\par