Windows 7 - Help (.hlp) Files - Cannot Open in Windows 7 Fix

   Information

Windows Help (WinHlp32.exe) is a Help program that has been included with Microsoft Windows versions starting with the Microsoft Windows 3.1 operating system. However, the Windows Help program has not had a major update for many releases and no longer meets Microsoft's standards. Therefore, starting with the release of Windows Vista and continuing in Windows 7, the Windows Help program will not ship as a feature of Windows 7. If you want to view 32-bit .hlp files, you must download and install the program (WinHlp32.exe) from the Microsoft Download Center below.

This tutorial will show you how to install and uninstall WinHlp32.exe (KB917607) in Windows 7.

For more information, see:
Download details: Windows Help program (WinHlp32.exe) for Windows 7

and

I cannot open Help files that require the Windows Help (WinHlp32.exe) program

   Note

When you try open an .hlp file in Windows 7, you receive the following message in the Windows Help and Support window:

The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn’t included in this version of Windows. However, you can download a program that will allow you to view Help created in the Windows Help format.

1. Click on the link below to go the Microsoft site.

Download details: Windows Help program (WinHlp32.exe) for Windows 7

2. If Validation is Required before Allowed to Download

A) Click on the Continue button and follow the on-screen instructions to validate your Windows 7. (see screenshot below)

3. Click on the Download button that is the same as your installed 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) Windows 7, and save the file to your desktop. (see screenshot below)

4. Install the downloaded Windows6.1-KB917607-x64.msu or Windows6.1-KB917607-x86.msu file.

5. You should now be able to open 32-bit .hlp files using Windows 7 Help and Support.

1. Open Installed Updates in Programs and Features.

2. Click on KB917607 to uninstall WinHlp32.exe. (see screenshot below)

3. When it's finished, you can close the Installed Updates window.