How to Open Help Files (.hlp) in Windows 7 that Require Windows Help Program (WinHlp32.exe)?

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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

Download Windows Help program (WinHlp32.exe) for Windows Server 2008

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7.

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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.