How can I override the HELP (F1) function?

Joe_AutoCAD
Explorer

How can I override the HELP (F1) function?

Joe_AutoCAD
Explorer
Explorer

I want to get rid of the CHM file type when the user hits F1 for a help guide - instead I want it to utilize a HTML link if the client has internet access. If they do not have internet access, a local HTML file will be loaded. I have the logic to open html with/without internet, but my issue is that I don't know how to override the HELP method. Does anyone know where I could access the HELP method, and possibly override it? If it's not possible, how should I go about it?

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youssefGC
Advocate
Advocate

Hi,
Before answering your question, it is necessary to explain why the removal of access to Autodesk's help is being considered. Why not associate your HTML page logic with something else, instead of modifying the software's help?

 

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Joe_AutoCAD
Explorer
Explorer

Currently we have CHM as our in-product help format. This is outdated and HTML offers much more functionality for presenting content in an attractive and modern way. Maintaining and building both HTML5 and CHM is also more work than just HTML5.


Would you recommend I just create my own HELP command and just map it to the F1 key? 

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ActivistInvestor
Advisor
Advisor

How to do this depends on what type of help you're providing. If your product implements custom commands in .NET via the CommandMethod attribute, you can specify help information in the HelpFileName and HelpTopic properties of that attribute, although I'm not sure how that works with HTML-based help.

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Joe_AutoCAD
Explorer
Explorer

We're not offering command specific help, rather, it's a general help page that contains command documentations and tips. Also latest update notes. How do you advise I go about that?

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ActivistInvestor
Advisor
Advisor

You could try implementing a COMMAND the user can issue to access your help docs, and in the CommandMethod attribute, specify the HelpFileSource and HelpTopic properties to just open the file to the home page.

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