In this article, learn how to download and install Microsoft’s HTML Help Workshop compiler.
You must first download and install Microsoft’s HTML Help Workshop compiler before you can create documentation in CHM format. You may use HelpNDoc to build CHM help files on Windows with this free compiler.
Step 1 – Download the installer
Click File and then Options in HelpNDoc.
The ‘HelpNDoc Options’ box appears.
To download the installation software from Microsoft’s website, click Download to the right of the ‘Microsoft HTML Help Workshop’ path.
It’s also available for download from Microsoft HTML Help Workshop.
This will start the installation of the htmlhelp.exe software.
Step 2 – Install Microsoft HTML Help Workshop
Start the htmlhelp.exe program that you downloaded. The license agreement is displayed here. Click Yes after you’ve reviewed it.
This will open a box asking if you want to install the compiler. Select Yes.
This brings up a popup displaying the path where the file will be installed. Click OK to utilize this folder. Click Browse and navigate to the desired folder to choose another. Then press OK. This brings you back to the setup window, where the new route is displayed. Click the OK button.
This may result in a notification indicating the presence of a newer version of HTML Help. This notice refers to the CHM Viewer that was already installed on your computer with any current version of Microsoft Windows, not the compiler that you just installed. Click the OK button.
This displays a message stating that HTML Help Workshop was successfully installed. Click the OK button.
Step 3 – Complete the setup
To return to the ‘HelpNDoc Options’ window, click the ‘Back’ button. Verify that the compiler path you specified (above) is visible.
To navigate to the path if it is not accurately depicted, click the button on the far right.
Warning: Make sure the path ends with hhc.exe; else, the generation process will fail.
Click the OK button.
To create CHM help files, you’ll need the Microsoft HTML Help Workshop software. It is simple and completely free to download and set up in HelpNDoc:
Download HelpNDoc Personal Edition for free
Check this video for more help:
That’s about it.
