atw: cross-references in FrameMaker (was re: austechwriter Digest V7 #178)

I've also had problems in the past with inserting cross-references to target paras with similar text. The worst case of this was with a service manual where I was inserting cross refs to steps in fault finding procedures. Many steps started with the same text, and it was almost impossible to select the correct para from the limited text that appeared in the cross ref dialog.
My solution was to use a little program called Resource Hacker. This allowed me to edit the fmdlg.dll file to enlarge the cross reference dialog to expand the field in which the text of the target paras appears. I made the field big enough to display the whole first line of text from each target para, which made my job a whole lot easier.
Here is the text of the email about Resource Hacker that was posted to the Framers list some time back: 

*************************
- Download Angus Johnson's Resource Hacker (TM) from
 <http://www.users.on.net/johnson/resourcehacker/> (541KB)
- Make a backup copy of the file fminit\fmdlg.dll
- Start Resource Hacker and open fmdlg.dll
- Find the appropriate dialog resource under Dialogs:
 - XREF_MAIN/1033 is used in unstructured FM7
 - XREF_MAIN_ELEM/1033 is used in structured FM7
- Adjust the dialog and the listbox to your needs in the dialog editor
- Click on the "Compile Script" button
- Save fmdlg.dll

************************
I've since enlarged several Frame dialogs to display more text, and now they are almost indispensable. If anyone wants more information or more specific instructions, please let me know. I'm happy to take you through the editing process, or provide a sample edited dll. 

Cheers

Dave


Graeme Worth wrote, on 21/07/2009 8:27 p.m.:
No that's not quite the problem. One common problem that can arise may be a consequence of having similar text being used in cross reference markers (eg, similarly worded headings etc). FrameMaker gives you an available list of possible target markers, so it's easy enough to pick one from the immediately available list without having been forced to change to the other file.
More to the point, perhaps, is the fact that if you haven't opened the target file in advance +and kept it open+, the selection dialogue will only show you markers from your currently open file(s).
It's easy enough then if headings are similar etc. to see a list of cross reference headers and see the one you think you want in the Current display -- which allows you to create a cross reference to the wrong place.
Ah - I see. Thanks Peter. I was a bit confused and thought you were referring to a 'bug' in FM that would allow bad cross refs to be created, but now I see that it is a workflow/operator error problem. In my situation the cross ref text is always specific, so if it ain't in the list I know I don't have the file open. The possibility of creating bad cross refs the way you describe hadn't occurred to me. Now it makes sense and I'll keep it in mind if I ever need to use similar cross ref text in different files. 
cheers
Graeme


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Dave Reynolds                         Phone: (64) (3) 358 1029
Senior Technical Author               Fax: (64) (3) 359 4632
Tait Electronics Ltd                  Email: dave.reynolds@xxxxxxxxxx
PO Box 1645
Christchurch
New Zealand


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