Add support for legacy help file WINHLP32.EXE in Windows Vista

You'll then be directed to Microsoft Knowledge Base article 917607, which describes how WINHLP32.EXE is not even shipped with Windows Vista, inasmuch as it "no longer meets Microsoft standards." (What's more irritating is that the 16-bit help file application is included in Vista.)

But if you do need WINHLP32.EXE, the article continues, Microsoft will make it available as a download once Vista is available for commercial release. Fine, but if you're working with Vista now and you need access to such help files, you may not find that assurance very comforting.

The good news is that there's a simple enough workaround. Go to a machine currently running XP and copy WINHLP32.EXE from the \Windows directory. (Note: For safety's sake, do not place the WINHLP32.EXE file in Vista's own Windows directory. Instead, create a subfolder in Programs called Legacy Help (or something along those lines), and put it there.)

Right-click on a ...

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary

If you're building a Vista image for deployment on multiple machines, this might not be a bad default addition to such an image. . .especially if you're going to be stuck working with a lot of software that has legacy .HLP files!

About the author: Serdar Yegulalp is editor of the Windows Insight, (formerly the Windows Power Users Newsletter), a blog site devoted to hints, tips, tricks and news for users and administrators of Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Vista. He has more than 12 years of Windows experience under his belt, and contributes regularly to SearchWinComputing.com and SearchSQLServer.com.

More information on this topic:

• Tip: Utility creates help files for free
  
• Topics: Windows Vista installation
  
• RSS: Sign up for our RSS feed to receive expert advice every day.
  
  

  Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. Submit a Tip DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.