Windows 3.1 Help Compiler and Difficulty with Word 6.0 RTF    

-------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0 and 6.0a
 - Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1
 - Microsoft Visual Basic programming system for Windows, version 3.0

-------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

The Windows version 3.1 Help Compiler version 3.10.504 (and earlier
versions) will not function correctly with Microsoft Word version 6.0 rich-
text format (RTF) output. You may receive a general protection (GP) fault
during help file compilation or the help file may be compiled using only
the Windows system font.

CAUSE
=====

This is caused by the way previous versions of the Help Compiler interpret
new RTF controls relating to the font header information that Word version
6.0 generates when saving as RTF.

WORKAROUND
==========

The latest release of these updated Compiler (HC.EXE and HCP.EXE version
3.10.505) can be found in the self-extracting file VBHC505.EXE.

Download VBHC505.EXE, a self-extracting file, from the Microsoft Software
Library (MSL) on the following services:

 - CompuServe
      GO MSL
      Search for VBHC505.EXE
      Display results and download

 - Microsoft Download Service (MSDL)
      Dial (206) 936-6735 to connect to MSDL
      Download VBHC505.EXE

 - Internet (anonymous FTP)
      ftp ftp.microsoft.com
      Change to the \softlib\mslfiles directory
      Get VBHC505.EXE
\*
\* MSINTERNAL:
\* CIS/OnLine MSL = \\ONLINE\ARCHIVE
\* MSDL MSL = \\WIN31BBS\FILES (ENDUSER-security only)
\* Internet MSL = \\GOWINNT\FTP (ENDUSER-security only)

MORE INFORMATION
================

Files in VBHC505.EXE
--------------------

HC.EXE -- Standard mode Help Compiler
HCP.EXE -- Protected mode Help Compiler (Uses Expanded Memory)
HC.ERR -- Error file used by HC.EXE
HCP.ERR -- Error file used by HCP.EXE

Additional Problems Corrected
-----------------------------

 - More entries (approximately 8,000) are allowd in the .HPJ file in
   the map section and alias sections.

 - A larger number of bitmap definitions (approximately 2,970) are allowed
   in an RTF input file.

 - The internal compiler limit was increased from 32K to 64K.

Workaround for Problem Displaying Apostrophe in Help File
---------------------------------------------------------

As the default, Microsoft Word versions 6.0 and 6.0a use Smart Quotes.
However, the current version of the Help compiler ignores Smart Quotes in
an .RTF file. If you have a problem displaying an apostrophe in a Help
file, this is probably the cause.

To work around the problem in Microsoft Word:

1. From the Tools menu, choose AutoCorrect. Clear the first check box,
   "Change Straight Quotes to Smart Quotes."

2. From the Tools menu, choose Options. Click the AutoFormat tab in the
   upper-right corner. In the Replace frame, clear the "Straight Quotes
   with Smart Quotes" check box.

Additional reference words: textconv conversion converted converts transfer
transfers translation translate problem 6.00 gpfault gpf hang hung crash
crashed locks locked frozen freezes crashing quit quits stopped 3.00
update3.00 softlib S14638 6.0a
KBCategory: Refs
KBSubCategory: RefsProd