Welcome to the Helpdesk's Handbook

The handbook is an in-game reference made available through the "story window" that has been in game but generally unused since TSS. The purpose is to provide a quick way for you to look simple things up without having to alt-tab out and launch a browser. For now the Handbook is limited to the keywords to request and enter the tasks, missions, and raids of the last three expansions as well as a gear summary for Veil of Alaris.

For starters you'll want to download the Updater. You can find that by downloading the zip file here and Unzipping to wherever you'd like it. Once unzipped you should find a HandbookUpdater directory containing HandbookUpdate.exe. Run the HandbookUpdate and you will be prompted to locate your Everquest main directory. Once you've done so you are taken to the main page of the updater:

The first time running you'll want to click "Complete", this will go to the server and download the latest version of all Handbook files. Then maybe once a week or so run the program and click "Update". This will check the server for Handbook files that are newer than what you have installed and only download the ones you need. To access the Handbook in game press Alt-N and click "Helpdesk's Handbook".

In addition to providing a way to update the Handbook, the program also provides a way to download Veil of Alaris maps. However, due to the way Everquest rewrites the files each time you zone there is no way to check if the server file is "newer" than your local file, so the maps are All or Nothing. You can download by layer if you want, so if you just want map markers get layer 3, if just grid lines layer 2, if just zone geometry layer 1, or click All Layers for all three. Note that this will overwrite maps in your directory, so if you don't use my maps or you have made modifications, you'll likely want to either back yours up or ignore this all together. I do plan on modifying this to allow you to pick and choose which map files you want eventually.

I should also note the program is NOT idiot proof. If you specify an incorrect Everquest directory, it will fail to download files. If you want to select a different directory for your EQ install, either because you selected wrong first time or you have two copies of EQ installed, just click the Change EQ button.

Example screen shots of the Handbook as seen inside the game:

The mission summary for Veil of Alaris, with the Mission Name, quest giver, request word, entry phrase, and a link that opens an out-of-game browser to the Guide page for that mission.

The Tier 4 group gear summary for Veil of Alaris, broken down first by slot, then by class. Includes link to the item on Lucy, who drops it, and a link to the Guide page for the zone the named is from for quick reference on the named's abilities.