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The Windows Help program is not supported in Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 or later versions of Windows Server. The Windows Help program is available for Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1 only.

Microsoft strongly recommends that software developers discontinue using the Windows Help application. Software developers who ship programs that rely on .hlp files are encouraged to transition their Help experience to an alternative Help file format, such as CHM, HTML, or XML. For more information see the MSDN article Which Version of Help do I Need? While Microsoft develops future Help technologies, we encourage Help authors to continue using HTML Help 1.4. HTML Help 1.4 is included in Windows versions starting with Windows 7.

Symptoms

When you try to open Help in Windows-based programs, you receive one of the following error messages.
 

The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which was used in previous versions of Windows and it is not supported in Windows Vista.
 

The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn’t included in this version of Windows. However, you can download a program that will allow you to view Help created in the Windows Help format.
 

The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows. For more information, go to the Microsoft Help and Support website.

Resolution

To view 32-bit Help files with the .hlp file extension in Windows, you will need to download and install WinHlp32.exe from the Microsoft Download Center.

Important notes for downloading this program

  • Open the links by using Internet Explorer.

  • If you see a "Validation Required" message when you open the download page, click Continue, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

  • When you are prompted to download the file, select the file name that contains "x64" for 64-bit versions of Windows or "x86" for 32-bit versions of Windows. Use the following auto-detection information to make your choice.

  • The Windows Help program is not supported in Windows Server 2012 or later versions of Windows Server.

If you encounter problems when you install WinHlp32.exe or use Help, go to the "More information" section.

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