Imidazo[4,5-c] ring compounds of formula I, (particularly imidazo4,5-c]quinolines, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]quinolines, imidazo[4,5-c]naphthyridines, and 6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]naphthyridine compounds) having a guanidine substituted benzamide that is attached at the N−1 position by a linking group, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of making the compounds are disclosed. Methods of use of the compounds as immune response modifiers, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are also disclosed.