Using the CHM Files

When opening the compiled HTML Help file you see empty pages or the following error message:
"Action canceled. Internet Explorer was unable to link to the web page you requested"

The issue is caused by the Microsoft security update MS05-026 from June 14, 2005 as it updates the HTML Help Control (the CHM viewer) to version 5.2.3790.315 (to check the CHM version, right-click on the viewer button on the taskbar and choose "About HTML Help"). The known issues of this security update are documented in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 896358.

When using the compiled HTML help files you should have in mind these important notes:

1. In the File Download dialog box, click Save, and then choose where you want to save the CHM file.

Note: Save is the only available option in Mozilla Firefox browser. If you are using Mozilla Firefox, when you download the file locally you can skip the steps below and open the file.

2. When saving the file, make sure you fulfill the following requirements:

• Save the file to folder on a local hard drive, e.g. C:\CHM . Do not use mapped intranet drives.
• Make sure you don't have '#' sign in the file location, e.g. "C:\C# Examples" would be invalid path!

3. For CHM files coming within archive (controls for ASP.NET AJAX, controls for WinForms):
When using the built-in zip utility that comes with windows, Vista preserves the flag on the files that it un-archives as the originating file came from the internet.
To get around this, first unblock the ZIP (right click the file, select properties and click on the 'Unblock' button that appears at the bottom) and then unzip the file.

In order to open standalone CHM file(s), use one of the following methods:

Method 1

1. Double-click the CHM file.

2. In the Open File-Security Warning dialog box, click to clear the Always ask before opening this file check box.

3. Click Open.

Method 2

1. Right-click the CHM file, and then click Properties.

2. Click Unblock.

3. Double-click the CHM file to open the file.

Method 3 (for issues under Windows Vista)

1. Copy the CHM file(s) to a non-NTFS filesystem, e.g. flash drive with FAT/FAT32 filesystem.

2. Delete the original files

3. Copy the files back from the flash drive.

This will clear the Alternate Data Streams from the files, thus making them safe to open.