Can't set default program to open .hlp files


  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 64bit
       #1

    Can't set default program to open .hlp files


    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!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Can't set default program to open .hlp files-default.jpg   Can't set default program to open .hlp files-disabled.jpg  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,031
    Windows 7 x64
       #2

    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.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 72,043
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #3

    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
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    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.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,403
    Win 7 Ultimate 32bit
       #5

    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
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 16,149
    7 X64
       #6

    Did you get the right one for Win 7 ?

    It's here:

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


  7. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    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.)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #8

    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.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Ztruker said:
    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!
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,403
    Win 7 Ultimate 32bit
       #10

    Ztruker said:
    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.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:03.
Find Us