Winhlp32.exe

rbmobile · 23 May 2009

SIW2 said:

You can use this, just extract the .zip, right click and run as admin - browse to the .hlp file you want to open :

Attachment 11598

I'm using build 7127 x64. I created a directory in Program Files (x86) and called it WinHelp. I then downloaded the file that SIW2 provided (winhlp32.exe and put it in that directory. I renamed the file to mywinhlp32.exe and did the associate thing under default programs and pointed to that file, C:\Program Files (x86)\WinHelp\mywinhlp32.exe and now if I dbl-click a .hlp file it will open. It still does not open from within a program that uses an old .hlp file. I renamed the winhlp32.exe to mywinhlp32.exe because the OS seems to get confused and defaults to the winhlp32.exe STUB found under the C:\Windows folder.

Hope this helps. (No Pun Intended)

Dixon Butz · 23 May 2009

Your right rbmoblile. Never thought about that.
This works for me in Win7 32bit. Should work in 64 too since that winhlp stub is 32bit.

Take ownership of winhlp32.exe in windows folder.
Delete it.
Put the winhelp32.exe that SIW2 posted in windows folder.
Accociate .hlp files with winhlp32 in windows folder using the 'Open With"
Now I can access a programs help from the help menu.

Edit:Note that asscoiating using the open with is just so you can open a .hlp by clicking on it.

paulv44 · 23 May 2009

When attempting to delete the winhlp32.exe in the Windows folder, I require permission by Trusted Installer. How do I get around that?

rbmobile · 23 May 2009

Dixon and Paulv44 -
I too am unable to delete or rename winhlp32.exe within Windows folder and "Take Ownership" is not an option on this file. Any of the other files in that folder I can take ownership of. Any ideas?

SIW2 · 23 May 2009

There's no need - you can leave it there.

rb spotted the answer. Just rename the real one you got from the .zip to myhlp.exe, copy it into the Windows folder.

Rt click a .hlp file, select Open With , browse to myhlp.exe - it works.

You can also go to Default Programs and associate it there, browse to myhlp.exe in the Windows folder ( or wherever you decided to put it) - it changes successfully .

Clicking on a .hlp file opens it with myhlp.exe straightaway.

rbmobile · 23 May 2009

Thanks SIW2. I guess I got a little carried away with creating a new folder. As you point out...not necessary. I wonder if MS is going to provide a means to open old .hlp files from within Win7 or are they going to require that developers change old files to .chm files.

Dixon Butz · 23 May 2009

You can take ownership and delete while in Windows.

By using my method you can use a programs help menu from within the program.

rbmobile · 23 May 2009

Dixon,
I can't take ownership of the file!

Dixon Butz · 23 May 2009

Take Ownership of file - Vista Forums

rbmobile · 23 May 2009

DB...You da man! Between you and SIW2 I'm good ta go. And thanks to Brink for the tutorial. All of you get adds to your reps.

Thanks guys.
rb

Winhlp32.exe

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