--- loncom/interface/loncommon.pm	2003/12/08 15:06:42	1.158
+++ loncom/interface/loncommon.pm	2003/12/15 19:23:03	1.159
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # The LearningOnline Network with CAPA
 # a pile of common routines
 #
-# $Id: loncommon.pm,v 1.158 2003/12/08 15:06:42 raeburn Exp $
+# $Id: loncommon.pm,v 1.159 2003/12/15 19:23:03 www Exp $
 #
 # Copyright Michigan State University Board of Trustees
 #
@@ -554,6 +554,8 @@ sub help_open_topic {
     my $template = "";
     my $link;
 
+    $topic=~s/\W/\_/g;
+
     if (!$stayOnPage)
     {
 	$link = "javascript:void(open('/adm/help/${filename}.hlp', 'Help_for_$topic', 'menubar=0,toolbar=1,scrollbars=1,width=$width,height=$height,resizable=yes'))";