Create a compiled Help file that is displayed when you press F1

1. Create the source file by using the text editor or word-processing program of your choice. For information about creating the source file, see the Help that comes with Microsoft Help Workshop. Make sure to save the source file in Rich Text Format.
   
   
2. Compile the Help file by using Microsoft Help Workshop.
   
   
3. Display the property sheet for the form or report and specify the file name for the compiled Help file in the HelpFile property box.

   Note   For best results, put the Help file in the same folder as your application. That way, you can keep the setting for the HelpFile property the same for each site by using your application, but allow users to install the application in the folder of their choice. If you omit a path setting in this property, Microsoft Access looks for the Help file in the folder where your application is installed.

4. In the HelpContextID property box for the form or report, type the number of the topic (a number other than 0) that will be displayed when a user presses F1. This topic would generally cover assistance for the whole form or report.
   
   
5. In the HelpContextID property box for any control on a form that can receive the focus, type the number of the topic that will be displayed when a user presses F1. This topic would cover assistance specific to the control.

Notes

• You must map the values set for the HelpContextID property to the context strings in your Help system. For more information, see the Help file that comes with Microsoft Help Workshop.
  
  
• If a control has the focus when you press F1, but it doesn't have a custom Help topic, the custom Help topic for the form will be displayed. If there is no custom Help topic for the form, Microsoft Access displays the Office Assistant dialog box.
  
  
• You can't display custom Help through the Office Assistant.
  
  
• You can also use Microsoft HTML Help Workshop to create a Help file. For more information about creating custom Help, see "Adding Help to Your Custom Solution" in the Microsoft Office 2000/Visual Basic Programmer's Guide. Learn how to obtain a copy of this book.