1

Is there a way to fix chm files?

Most of the time I receive them, I can read the index but not the content.

That is, I can open them up and see the table of contents down the left navigation pane, but when I click any of the topics in the list, nothing happens.

I can't tell if it's because they have not been compiled correctly or if it's a problem with my (Vista) machine.

3 Answers 3

1

i recommended a program called HelpExplorer in another thread.

6

This annoyed me at first as well, you are likely experiencing the same thing. Right-click the .chm file and at the bottom you will see an unblock button, click it then hit apply. Microsoft automatically blocks you from running certain files downloaded on the internet for your safety (or annoyance):

alt text

5
  • Thanks, I can actually open it and read the index but the content part is not visible.
    – lipton
    Aug 31, 2009 at 5:21
  • is there a pound sign (#) in the filename? Windows also has trouble with those.
    – user1931
    Aug 31, 2009 at 5:22
  • I haven't noticed that.
    – lipton
    Aug 31, 2009 at 5:57
  • the question is about chm, not pdf.
    – Natrium
    Aug 31, 2009 at 6:07
  • @Natrium, the file type in the picture does not matter. It was to show the unblock method. It doesn't work any differently on a chm file...
    – user1931
    Aug 31, 2009 at 6:33
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.chm files cannot be opened from the network (security implications). Copy the localy and you'll be able to open them up without a problem.

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  • This is probably the problem. I know I've run into this exact issue in the past.
    – bobbymcr
    Aug 31, 2009 at 5:37
  • yup, this might be it.
    – Natrium
    Aug 31, 2009 at 6:06
  • the files are always local.
    – lipton
    Aug 31, 2009 at 6:22
  • If the files are always local, then which folder are they in? I've also ben incases where the .chm file has to be placed in one of the trusted/safe locations, such as My Documents.
    – J Sidhu
    Sep 1, 2009 at 16:36

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