custom help file

N

Neville G

Having created a database for use by colleagues, I want to give them some
help in using it. How do I create a custom Help file, and in what format,
then activate it using F1? Help on this Help is appreciated.
 
T

Tony Toews [MVP]

Neville G said:
Having created a database for use by colleagues, I want to give them some
help in using it. How do I create a custom Help file, and in what format,
then activate it using F1?
Click to expand...

That's a bit of a pain as you need to use external tools to create
help files and such. Instead I just use a small command button with a
? graphic on it along with a table with a subject and a memo field in
the FE and a form displaying the appropriate memo field from the
record.

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
read the entire thread of messages.
Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm
Tony's Microsoft Access Blog - http://msmvps.com/blogs/access/
 
D

Dale Fye

In several of my apps, I've even gone one step further and included columns
for FormName and ControlName in tbl_Help. The, using the ActiveForm and
PreviousControl methods, I'm able to provide specific help on the control
that had the focus prior to clicking on the Help button. If there is no
specific help for a particular control, I present a generic help message that
is focused on the form.

Then, when the help form closes, set the focus back to the control that had
the focus.

--
HTH
Dale

Don''t forget to rate the post if it was helpful!

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Please reply to newsgroup only.
 
T

Tony Toews [MVP]

Dale Fye said:
In several of my apps, I've even gone one step further and included columns
for FormName and ControlName in tbl_Help. The, using the ActiveForm and
PreviousControl methods, I'm able to provide specific help on the control
that had the focus prior to clicking on the Help button. If there is no
specific help for a particular control, I present a generic help message that
is focused on the form.

Then, when the help form closes, set the focus back to the control that had
the focus.
Click to expand...

Now that's a good idea!

How does the person trigger the help? Presumably by using a command
button?

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
read the entire thread of messages.
Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm
Tony's Microsoft Access Blog - http://msmvps.com/blogs/access/
 
D

Dale Fye

Actually, I usually do it with a pop-up menu when the user clicks on a label
with a caption of Help. That help menu usually has two options (About, and
Control Help).
 
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