There can't be many people who haven't used a Windows Help file at some point in their struggle to understand their latest bit of software, but how are they created?

Help files can vary in nature from a basic list of instructions to a completely interactive system, containing links, sub-windows and macros.

Application Developers comprise the biggest set of users. As it is sometimes difficult to write a “top down” manual for systems that are accessed from a myriad of different interface routes, the Windows Help System offers a similar “random access” approach that mirrors the applications more precisely. Also, it stops the bloody users losing the guides down the back of their drawers.

The traditional use for the Windows help system is to allow developers to attach an interactive manual to Windows applications. However, there is nothing to stop the creation of a standalone help file for miscellaneous subjects as diverse as Making a Cup of Tea or Choosing the Right Mortgage.

To knock up a basic help file, the following are required:

• A PC running Windows 9x or NT (obviously)
• A means of creating a .rtf file (eg Microsoft Word)
• A copy of the Microsoft Help Workshop (available to download from Microsoft’s site - Link to follow)
• A large piece of paper
• Patience.

Alternatively, a professional Help Authoring package can be procured, which removes a lot of the effort but tend to be pricey.

A help file that describes how to create a help file (??!!!) is available from the site below:

This demonstrates only the very basic functions available. Feel free to research further if stuck for something better to do.