As you know Windows Vista doesn't contain "Windows Help Program (WinHlp32.exe)" which is required to display 32-bit help files having .hlp file extension.
Microsoft decided to remove the program from Windows Vista, 7 and all future Windows versions because WinHlp32.exe has not had a major update for many years, and it does not meet their standards for all new Microsoft programs.
But Microsoft realizes that this may cause some problems for customers who want to upgrade to Windows 7 but still rely on 32-bit .hlp files. Therefore, Microsoft is making WinHlp32.exe available as a download from the Microsoft Download Center.
So if you are using Windows 7 and want to open .hlp files, you should download and install following update released by Microsoft:
Download "Windows Help Program (WinHlp32.exe) for Windows 7
Complete list of AskVG articlesThis article was posted in Troubleshooting, Windows 7.
Related Articles
Popular Articles
- Frequently Asked Problems with Solutions
- Is Your System Infected with a Virus / Spyware / Adware / Trojan?
- Transform Windows Vista into 7 without using Customization pack
- Transform Windows XP into 7 without using Customization pack
- Transform Windows XP into Vista without using Customization pack
- All About Resource Hacker in a brief Tutorial
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows 7 Super Fast
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows Vista Super Fast
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows XP Super Fast
- All Kinds of Restrictions for Windows XP, Vista and 7
Tangmeister
Wait, so all this time all the programs that came with .hlp files were unable to display their help files?
That's such a dumb thing for MS to do!
Someone
I installed the Vista version of "WinHlp32.exe", but now when I try to update it, it doesn't work.
SCBright
WinHlp32 is not delivered since Vista was launched, .hlp files comes with very old programs.
I really don't need to open any hlp file by almost 3 years.
BTW your system must be validated to download and install this, an seven will be launched only next week...
VG
@Someone
Both are same so no need to update or reinstall it.
Someone
Cannot open them. Loads Windows Help and Suppor saying to check Microsoft's web site.
TurtleShroom
The link you provided does not work with Sixty Four Bit editions of Win7.
Someone
Using 64 bit version of Windows 7.