CSH call not working if IE is already open (Internet Explorer 6.0)

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Please note that the problem I am mentioning below is IE specific, which is why I am posting in this forum. Besides you guys are the best!!

am using Flare 3.1 to generate web help that is being called by a Java application. I am using Internet Explorer (IE) If no instance of Internet Explorer (IE) is open, and I hit F1, the context-sensitive help
topic appears just fine. It looks like this:

file:///C:/dir1/dir2/name_Left.htm#StartTopic=dir3/name.htm|SkinName=skin-name

(The actual file being called to the left of the # is “C:dir1dir2name_CSH.htm” but this file changes some things as they appear and work in the URL box as a normal part of Flare output, similar to other HATs.)

However, if I hit F1 when that window or any other instance of IE is open, then all it calls is:

C:dir1dir2name_CSH.htm

The a ” # ” and the relative path to the context-sensitive topic should appear to the right of that, but it does not.

If I set Firefox to be my default browser, everything works fine, even if I set each new link to show up in a new Firefox window (as opposed to tabs). Thus, it is an IE problem. Unfortunately, I cannot force everyone
that uses this software to switch to Firefox, so I need to find a solution.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

Troy

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How exactly does the browser translate the page in the link — name_Left.htm — to the actual page that contains the help — name_CSH.htm? (Or did I misunderstand your explanation.)

Do you have IE set to re-use existing windows for launching shortcuts (Tools>Internet Options…, Advanced tab)? Does it make any difference?

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I would forget the “name_Left.htm” thing. It is just a product of the name_CSH.htm file. What is actually being passed is:

file:///C:/dir1/dir2/name_CSH.htm#dir3/name.htm

The name_CSH.htm file changes this as needed to what actualy appears in the URL box based on options set.

The point is, this format works if no IE instance is open, but not after.

I tried changing the re-use existing windows option, but it had no affect.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks!!
Troy

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Try disabling DDE for http URLs.

Windows Explorer or My Computer > Tools menu > Folder Options…, File Types tab

In the top section with no extension, select URL:HyperText Transfer Protocol, click Advanced

Select open, click Edit, then you can toggle the DDE setting.

Any difference?

(I’s not sure the change always “sticks” using this dialog, some registry editing might be required…)

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You are right. I could not make the setting stick. Any other suggestions or do you know how to make it stick with the registry (i.e. the path) so I can try? I am using WinXP Pro.

Thanks!!
Troy

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