how do I write a plugin? - documentation in HLP only

[vjedlicka]

Is there a documentation in a readable format?
I cannot open the HLP file in the plugin forum.
I need to write a liste plugin in c++

Thanks
Vaclav

[Dalai]

The plugin interface description is in HLP format. In order to read it, you have to install a Windows update (Win7/8.1) or rely on third-party "hacks" (Win10), or use a VM with a system that can read them natively (XP). It's just the way it is at the moment, despite the suggestions to convert the documentation to CHM.

Regards
Dalai

[Stefan2]

I cannot open the HLP file in the plugin forum.

I need to write a liste plugin in c++

Good luck then


You just need a file "winhlp32.exe" (i am think mine was from XP, it has a timestamp 14.04.2008)
I tested that last on a Win7 box and that worked to read the HLP. (good idea for me to check that on 8 and 10 too soon)




 

[Dalai]

2Stefan2
Although winhlp32.exe is enough to open HLP files, some DLLs are required to do more with them: e.g. ftsrch.dll to be able to search in HLP files.

----

In addition to my post above: Use KB917607 on Win7 or 8.1. On Win10 you can use the archive made by Komeil Bahmanpour which at least contains the EXE. Replacing any files requires to take ownership and changing access to them. Yes, it's annoying, but it's even more annyoing that Microsoft decided to change the Windows help formats nearly half a dozen of times in the last decade!

Regards
Dalai

[HolgerK]

All you need is a sub folder like:

Code: Select all

%COMMANDER_PATH%\Addons\winhlp32\en-us\winhlp32.exe.mui
%COMMANDER_PATH%\Addons\winhlp32\winhlp32.exe

and an internal associaton for *.HLP

Code: Select all

[Associations]
Filter<N>=*.HLP
Filter<N>_open=%COMMANDER_PATH%\Addons\winhlp32\winhlp32.exe "%1"

(replace <N> with a free number)

Tested with win10 pro 1803 x64(en)

Regards
Holger

[vjedlicka]

Would not it be easier to publish the help file in a readable format (HTML, PDF)?
Instead of having to install weird obsolete stuff each time I am on a new computer?

[HolgerK]

The above mentioned method is portable and helps also for help files which will never be converted into a newer format.
Feel free to support this request: https://www.ghisler.ch/board/viewtopic.php?p=311140#p311140

Regards
Holger