Because of the custom build steps on the .hpj and .rtf files (see Adding Starter Help Files to Your ATL Project), anytime you build your project, the .hlp file will be updated (if you changed your .hpj or .rtf files).
However, if your help file does not behave as expected, you should invoke the Microsoft Help Workshop (HCW.exe) and open your project's .hpj file. When you select the Save and Compile option in Microsoft Help Workshop, you can see notes and warnings as the help compiler creates your .hlp file. You should resolve the warnings; notes are less critical to the success of your .hlp file.
Keeping your free-text search terms current also requires using Microsoft Help Workshop. Invoke the HCW.exe program and search its online help for the string FTS (for full-text search) and read how you can set a switch to cause your free-text word list to be updated when you compile help.
The online help for Microsoft Help Workshop is a good source of information on the process of creating an .hlp file.
See Also