Distributing Microsoft HTML Help

Whether you are creating Microsoft HTML Help for applications or as standalone products, you need to distribute your Help system file(s) as well as files that provide support for Microsoft HTML Help functionality.

Your Help files include:

If your Help system is used with a software program, provide your developer with copies of the above files. Your developer can install these files in the same folder where the program's executable (.EXE file) is located or in another folder (if preferred). If your Help system is used as a standalone product, you can install it in any folder that suits your requirements.

Tip: An easy way for users to run standalone Microsoft HTML Help is to double-click the .CHM file in the Windows Explorer or from a shortcut icon on the Windows desktop.

The support files for Microsoft HTML Help functionality include:

Platform

Microsoft HTML Help files

Support for browse sequences, glossaries, WebSearch

Windows 95

Internet Explorer 4.x or later
HHUPD.EXE

HHActiveX.DLL

Windows 98

HHUPD.EXE

HHActiveX.DLL

Windows NT 4

Internet Explorer 4.x or later
HHUPD.EXE

HHActiveX.DLL

Windows 2000

Built-in components

HHActiveX.DLL

All the above support files are supplied by Microsoft and redistributed by eHelp when you install your Help authoring product. (eHelp Corporation provides HHActiveX.DLL.) The licensing agreement you have with eHelp allows you to redistribute Microsoft HTML Help and Internet Explorer files as long as they are included with your HTML Help product.

Tips:

  • If your Help system also includes third-party ActiveX controls, you need to install and register the file(s) that support these components. For more information, see Installing and registering ActiveX controls.

  • HHUPD.EXE is a program that automates the process of installing a group of Microsoft HTML Help system files that are required for HTML Help functionality. The installation CD for your eHelp product includes this file. For information, see Installing HTML Help system files.

  • Internet Explorer is the browser that provides functionality for Microsoft HTML Help systems. The installation CD for your eHelp product includes Internet Explorer 5. For more information, see Installing Internet Explorer.

  • HHActiveX.DLL is an optional file that provides support for online glossaries (created in the Glossary Designer), browse sequences, and WebSearch. This file needs to be installed and registered on end users' systems (it is not included with HHUPD.EXE). For more information, see Installing HHActiveX.DLL.