Answers to frequently asked questions have been compiled from users' and Allaire technical support representatives' postings on the HomeSite Forum. These answers are not authoritative, but are intended as a useful guide to common questions. This FAQ applies primarily to HomeSite version 3.0, unless specifically stated otherwise.
When is the maintenance release (HomeSite 3.0.1) coming out?
The maintenance release is now available. Visit Allaire's site to get it. You'll need to have a copy of HS 3.0 installed in order for the update to work. An evaluation copy is also available, which extends the evaluation of 3.0 for those who had problems getting it to work.
Now that I have all these great customizable elements, how can I share them with others?
While not extensively tested, some users (notably Walter Torres) have had success using shared network directories for HomeSite elements. This involves placing the elements in shared directories and then modifying the Windows registry to point HomeSite to these directories. (Note: Unwitting changes to your registry could damage your system. Consult your Windows documentation on backing up the registry before attempting this!) The following are the registry entries for the various HomeSite elements:
All these values are in the key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Allaire\Studio\FileLocations
| Toolbar Items | = | ToolbarDir |
| Snippet Items | = | SnippetRootDir |
| Help Files | = | HelpRootDir |
| Color Palette Files | = | PaletteDir |
| Project Files | = | ProjectDir |
| File Templates | = | Wizards |
| Tag Editors | = | TemplateDir |
Why aren't all my fonts available to use in HomeSite?
When HomeSite 2.5 was developed, a new editor was used in place of Microsoft's riched32.dll. This new editor allowed for much faster color coding and editing, but only supports fixed-width fonts. This change was implemented after much debate in the HomeSite forums. For a list of some very usable fixed-width fonts, see the Fonts page.
Where's the Javascript Wizard?
The HomeSite developers did not expect the strong reaction to the lack of the javascript wizard. The next release will probably address this. In the meantime, Bernhard Friedrich has created an excellent custom dialog which includes most of the functionality of HomeSite 2.5's javascript wizard. It is available from the custom dialogs page or from Bernhard's site.
What's wrong with the thumbnail preview?
On some systems running HomeSite 3.0 in 256 colors, the thumbnail preview does not appear in the proper area of the screen. This has been fixed in the maintenance release.
Why don't my graphics show up in the internal browser?
The internal browser has been updated in the maintenance release to support the graphics types that were causing problems in 3.0.
Why do I have to use Internet Explorer?
Currently, Internet Explorer is the only browser that supplies a browser object for developers to use in their own applications. Nick Bradbury, developer of HomeSite, has indicated that if and when Netscape supplies this functionality, HomeSite will support it. In the meantime, you can use HomeSite's built-in internal browser and use Netscape (or other browser of choice) as an external browser.
Why doesn't drag and drop work?
Some of the "standard" drag and drop features are not present in HomeSite 3.0. These include cursor changes when text is selected, triple-clicking to select a line, and double-click-drag for multipel word selection. The developers are aware of this. The editor does make it quite easy to select and drag text, however, with exact cursor placement and single-click line selection.
I bought the CD-ROM version. Can I download the electronic version to use until my CD arrives?
Please post a message in the HomeSite Forum about this possibility.
Why doesn't FTP work for me?
The FTP client has minimal functionality in this release. It does not work with proxy servers or symbolic links and has difficulty when the server connection times out. The developers are working on a fix for this, slated for HomeSite 4.0.
Why can't I navigate through folders like I could in HomeSite 2.5?
Why do my pages come up in one frame in Netscape instead of the whole window?
HomeSite is communicating with Netscape via DDE. Try unchecking DDE in the external browser settings.
Why can't I select text with the mouse?
Some Windows NT users have reported this problem. Rebooting the system seems to solve it. The maintenance release fixed this problem for many users, but some still report problems with it. The developers are aware of this issue and are working on a solution.
How do I make a new template?
The documentation isn't very clear on this point. It's as simple as this: Create an HTML file you want to use as a template and save it with an .hst extension (filename.hst) in the Wizards\HTML or Wizards\DHTML folder. It will now show up as an available template. Make sure you save as type All Files, so HS doesn't tack a .html extension on the end.
Why can't I cut and paste into the search and replace windows?
You can. The right-click functions have been added to the maintenance release. You can also use the Windows standard hotkeys: Ctrl+X (cut), Ctrl+C (copy) , and Ctrl+V (paste).
I have some weird things happening with my display.
Buggy display drivers are known to cause a variety of problems in HomeSite. Please make sure you have the most recent drivers for your display card. If you still have problems, right-click on My Computer, click on the Performance Tab, choose Graphics..., and turn hardware acceleration down. This is known to solve several problems with display issues.
I have some other question you didn't answer here.
Try consulting the HomeSite Forum. Be aware that the Forum is searchable. You may find that your question has been amply discussed. If not, or if you feel your question or any other belongs on this list, please e-mail us and we will add it.