QBX.EXE, PWB.EXE Help Files "Not Found," Conflict Under OS/2 (68027)

SUMMARY

If you are running under OS/2 and you have QuickBasic Extended (QBX.EXE from Microsoft Basic Professional Development System) version 7.10 running in the MS-DOS box, as well as Programmer's WorkBench (PWB.EXE) in an OS/2 window, you may be unable to access Basic help files from QBX.EXE.

The error message

File <HelpFile>.HLP not found -
Correct your help path in options + set paths

will appear in QBX.EXE when you attempt to use the online help if PWB.EXE is already using the same help files. Ending the PWB session will allow QBX.EXE to use the Basic help files.

NOTE: PWB does not need to have open the same help screen as QBX.EXE for this error to occur.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Basic Professional Development System (PDS) version 7.10 for MS OS/2. A workaround is given below.

MORE INFORMATION

If you have PWB configured to use the Basic help files, then while running it in protected mode, the Basic help files cannot be accessed from QBX.EXE. It does not matter in what order you start the programs; PWB.EXE can access the help files, and QBX.EXE cannot.

The following error message is misleading:

File <HelpFile>.HLP not found - ...

In the test performed, the help file existed, the HELPFILES environment variable was set correctly, and the help files path under the Options menu within QBX.EXE was set correctly.

WORKAROUND

Make two copies of the help files on your hard drive and set the help files path in PWB.EXE and QBX.EXE, each to a different set of help files. Make sure that the help files are not in the same directory as either PWB.EXE or QBX.EXE. In this situation, the two programs will not conflict with one another.