Windows 7 - Can't set default program to open .hlp files

foozlesprite · 01-17-2010

Hey guys. I've got a .hlp file that I want to open, but I guess it was made with an older version of Windows in mind. If I double click to open it I get what you see in my first attachment. I can open it with a version I downloaded from Microsoft's site (C:\Windows\winhlp32.exe). However, the "Always Open With" box is greyed out. I've tried going in through the Control Panel but it does the same thing. I don't mind messing with the registry if that's the only fix, but I really would like to get this working right every time without having to manually select it. Thanks for any help you can give!

Saltgrass · 01-17-2010

I would think if you were able to change it, then other help files would not open. Maybe it is greyed out for that reason.

Brink · 01-17-2010

Hello Foozlesprite, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If it is a older help file version, then you might see is doing only OPTION ONE in the tutorial below may be able to allow you to in Windows 7 like it did in Vista.

Help and Support in Vista - Vista Forums

Hope this helps,
Shawn

foozlesprite · 01-17-2010

The download that that Vista link points me to is the same one I already had installed. It does open the document, but I can't set it as default. Perhaps Saltgrass is right and it can't be done because that wouldn't allow newer documents to open.

Tepid · 01-17-2010

This may not be the right answer,, but you can try the following,,,

HTML Help Workshop - Microsoft HTML Help Downloads

Download and install HTMLHelp.exe

Install that and see if that helps?

I have seen a lot of problems with HTML Help files and CHM files lately across all flavors of Windows

SIW2 · 01-17-2010

Did you get the right one for Win 7 ?

It's here:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...4-008e02b32a2c

foozlesprite · 01-17-2010

Yes, when I click the Windows 7 install link, it begins to install then tells me I already have that update installed on my computer. (And I tried Tepid's link but it tells me I already have a newer version on my computer.)

Ztruker · 01-17-2010

What about changing the extension from .hlp to something else, maybe .hpl then setting the app you want as default for only that extension? I've not tried this and the app may reject it if it's not .hlp. Worth a try though.

foozlesprite · 01-17-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Ztruker

What about changing the extension from .hlp to something else, maybe .hpl then setting the app you want as default for only that extension? I've not tried this and the app may reject it if it's not .hlp. Worth a try though.

This worked for me

I had to use a renamer program to rename all the extensions but overall it was MUCH faster than having to select the program every time. Thanks for the help, everybody!

Tepid · 01-17-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Ztruker

What about changing the extension from .hlp to something else, maybe .hpl then setting the app you want as default for only that extension? I've not tried this and the app may reject it if it's not .hlp. Worth a try though.

Interesting,, hadn't thought of that.

Windows 7 - Can't set default program to open .hlp files

Can't set default program to open .hlp files problems?