Tech Tips for Catholics

Let me start by saying how much I dislike Windows Vista!  Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, I want to share with you an available fix for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Windows Vista did away with the old Windows Help (WinHlp32.exe) program that allows you to view 32-bit Help files with the file extension .hlp.  Microsoft is strongly encouraging developers to no longer use the .hlp file format, because “WinHlp32.exe has not had a major update for many years, and it does not meet Microsoft’s [new] standards…”  However, they have graciously made WinHlp32.exe available as a download from the Microsoft Download Center.

Here are the proper steps to ensure a successful install:

1. You must install the correct version of the update!  Click here to verify your environment (you have to use Microsoft Internet Explorer for this to work).  For instance, I am running 32-bit (x86).
2. Once you have figured out the information needed in step 1, you are ready to install the update.  Make sure that you are logged on as an administrator.  Click here to obtain the WinHlp32.exe download for Windows Vista.  Click the “continue” button and wait for it to validate.  Then click the “download file below” link.  You will then be taken to a page with different versions of the file.  You will want to download the file which corresponds with the information you received in step 1.  Run this file and you should be all set to view those old Help files.

As always, if you have any problems with this tutorial, feel free to post a comment.