Technical data
Customizing the Operating System
5.6 Customizing the Help Message Database
supplied message descriptions do not change during the upgrade, you can
reuse .MSGHLP files to reinsert comments after the upgrade.
How to Perform This Task
1. Extract the message to which you want to add a comment. The following
example extracts hypothetical message NOSNO:
$ HELP/MESSAGE/EXTRACT=NOSNO.MSGHLP NOSNO
2. Edit the .MSGHLP file to add your comment. The .MSGHLP file format uses
a unique numerical prefix to designate the message, facility, explanation, and
user action sections of the message description. Add your comments at the
end using a ‘‘5’’ prefix.
1NOSNO, can’t ski; no snow
2XCSKI, XCSKI Program
3Your attempt to ski failed because there is no snow.
4Wait until there is snow and attempt the operation again.
5If you don’t want to wait, go to a location where there is
5snow and ski there.
5
5Or, try ice skating instead!
Tips for modifying files:
• Limit your comments to 60 characters per line so that they do not exceed
the terminal display area.
• Use a ‘‘5’’ prefix on blank lines too.
• Do not edit Compaq supplied data. Any such edits are ignored when the
comment is added to the database. Section 5.6.5 describes how you can
alter Compaq supplied data.
3. Update the database by inserting the updated message:
$ HELP/MESSAGE/INSERT=NOSNO.MSGHLP
The comment is now displayed following the Compaq supplied message
description.
Example
$ HELP/MESSAGE/EXTRACT=ACCVIO.MSGHLP ACCVIO
[Edit ACCVIO.MSGHLP to add your comment.]
$ HELP/MESSAGE/INSERT=ACCVIO.MSGHLP
5.6.5 Changing Compaq Supplied Data
You cannot use the procedure described in Section 5.6.4 to alter Compaq supplied
information. The recommended way to permanently change Compaq supplied
information is to send your comments to the OSSG Documentation Group (see
the Preface for Internet and mail addresses) or contact a Compaq support
representative.
The sequence described in this section allows you to modify Compaq supplied
data, with the following results:
• The Compaq supplied message is deleted from the database and your version
of the message is inserted.
Customizing the Operating System 5–31