Windows 7 problems with microsoft fix for missing winhlp32.exe in Windows 7 64-bit

[mich]

Hi,

I am trying to access old Windows .hlp files. I am currently running Windows 7, and when I try to open them I get the following error message:

Cannot display this help file. Try opening the help file again, and if you still get this message, copy the help file to a different drive, and try again

So, I looked around for a fix, and came across this website from microsoft
I cannot open Help that was created in the Windows Help format (WinHlp32.exe)

I followed the steps, downloaded winhlp32.exe
with the following file Windows6.1-KB917607-x64.msu,
because I am running 64-bit windows. Then, I installed it.
But, when I try to open the .hlp file, I get the same error message.

If someone has any idea how I can proceed, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

All the best,
Bob

 

[Saltgrass]

Right now the only thing I could suggest is to see if you can right click it and open it in some type of compatibility mode.

Or set winhlp32.exe to run in a compatibility mode.

You may even need the run as Admin option.

 

[mich]

Right now the only thing I could suggest is to see if you can right click it and open it in some type of compatibility mode.

Or set winhlp32.exe to run in a compatibility mode.

You may even need the run as Admin option.

Thanks for your message, Saltgrass.

When I right-click the help file, and choose "Open With", windows recommends to open it with Microsoft Help (with a yellow question mark). But, when I open it that way, I get the same error message.

I also went into the folder C:\Windows and found winhlp32.exe
I right clicked it and ran it as admin, but I still got the same error message when I tried to open the help file.

I also right-clicked winhlp32.exe and tried to select Properties - compatibility mode, but it said "Campatibility modes cannot be set on this program because it is part of this version of windows."

I also right-clicked the help file and selected properties, but there was no option to run in compatibility mode.

 

[Saltgrass]

So, after you went through the Genuine test you downloaded the installer. Did the installer put the file in the Windows directory? Did you download the x64 version, and I assume you did.

There are other scenarios concerning problems opening the .hlp files that mention macros, and internet sites, and others. Do any of those fit your situation?

I show a winhlp32.exe in my Windows folder and did not do any downloads. Is that the one you think was installed? Maybe check the date on it..