This has nothing to do with index files, but to do with the INDEX topic in the help file. The root topic in your help file (the top level node typically) has to be of type INDEX.

If you deleted the index topic (which is not easy!) the help file will not be built because the root node just won't be there.

+++ Rick ---

Dear Rick! I think I do have the index file . I suspect it got corrupted or something. Actually I want to post here a screenshot which you could check and advise me on what could be done.
<imgsrc="http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/IrinaRW/Files.jpg" BORDER="0">
Here what I get when I open index.xml file.
<imgsrc="http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i8/IrinaRW/Index.jpg" BORDER="0">

Is there any way to correct something?

Thank you so much for your help.

Irina

Make sure you have an Index topic in your help file. Help Builder requires a root Index topic. Most likely you deleted it by accident.

+++ Rick ---

When I'm building a Help file and running "Build HTML Help file" option from Tools menu, as a result I get the following message on the "Help compiler results" screen;

"Help file not built!"

The Help File was not built
....
Topic not found

Would you be knowing the reason for that? Before I used to compile without running into this problem.

Thank you for your help in advance.

Rick Strahl West Wind Technologies Where do you want to surf today?

Reader Version: 5.0

from Maui, Hawaii

---