Cannot access PC-DMIS’s Offline Help

[Paul Konarski]

I am having a problem accessing PC-DMIS’s Offline Help.

The workstation connected to our DEA Scirocco is to be kept permanently offline.

The notification reads: “Cannot access the Help. If you don’t have Internet access, you must install the offline help. If you do not have the offline help installed, restart PC-DMIS to use the offline help.” Note that the notification also occurred when the workstation was online.

First, I attempted to “Repair” PC-DMIS and the Offline Help – but, the problem persisted.

Second, I uninstalled the Offline Help, downloaded the stand-alone version from Hexagon, and installed it. However, I am still receiving the same notification as above. In addition, note that [Use Offline Help] – under the [Help] tab remains a faded black font.

Machine Make: DEA Scirocco Standard 20.13.10
Serial Number: 201310-172
Software: PC-DMIS 2019 R2
Approximate Axis Range: X 2 Meters Y 1.3 Meters Z 1 Meter
Weight: 4000 kg
Probe Head Type: Renishaw PH10
Calibration Standard for Performance Test: ASME B89.4.10360

[JaredHess]

Hi Paul. Were you able to get the offline Help working?
What link did you use to download the standalone help?
Did the Help actually install on the computer? Check and see if it's in C:\Program Files\Hexagon or wherever you may have installed it.

[sealevel]

I had the same issue (grayed-out option to use OFFline Help). But.... then I installed the Help from the installation path:

F:\PC-DMIS 2019 R2\Install\Pcdmis_English_Help.exe
(or find it in YOUR installation path)

The original installation said it was installing it but it never did. It works now.
Hmmmm.

[JaredHess]

I'm glad you got it working sealevel.

One thing to note is that the offline Help installation occurs from a separate installer immediately after you close the main PC-DMIS installation. This means you can start using PC-DMIS while the offline Help is being installed. However, for the Offline Help menu option to become available for selection, PC-DMIS needs to to detect the offline Help installation when it runs. So, the first time you use PC-DMIS, if you run up PC-DMIS before the Help finishes installing, the menu item appears disabled, even after the offline Help is installed. A quick restart of PC-DMIS should fix that.

[sealevel]

Thx Jared.
Your explanation makes perfect sense. However, upon a (less-than-quick) restart of PC-DMIS the Help did not fire up the useable Offline option under the Help menu. And failed for MANY tries since the release of PC-DMIS (R1 or R2?) introducing the Offline option.
I don't know what did the trick, but letting it install into C:\Program Files\Hexagon\PC-DMIS 2019 R2 64-bit English Help made the option work.... viola!!
And opens in Firefox via address:
file:///C:/Program%20Files/Hexagon/PC-DMIS%202019%20R2%2064-bit%20English%20Help/en/helpcenter/index.htm
Very nice.... instead of:
https://docs.hexagonmi.com/pcdmis/20...nter/index.htm
I know the local help doesn't update, but for me? having the (working) Help Offline option makes me a happy customer.....

[JaredHess]

Hi sealevel. Hmmm. Do you remember where you first tried installing the offline help (before you attempted to install it at the default location)? Maybe there's a bug in certain folder pathways.