Windows 10: How to Open old HLP files from Windows 10

@andylaode
The easiest way to solve this problem is to use the XP version of winhlp32.exe.
If you have the Windows XP installtion disk, you can extract from it or download the attachment below which contains both X86 and X64 version of winhlp32.exe (XP64winhlp32.exe & XP32winhlp32.exe). Use the appropriate version with your Windows 10.

• Copy XP64winhlp32.exe to C:\Windows or to C:\Windows\system32 if your Windows 10 is 64 bit. else copy XP32winhlp32.exe.
• right click on the .hlp file that you want to open->Open with->More Apps then browse to the executable in step one to select it, put a check mark on "Always use ...." as shown below to associate the file type .hlp with this XP version.
  
  
  
  The original .hlp has an icon as shown:
  
  
  
  new association will change to:
  
  
  

To open the .hlp file, simply double click it or open it within the program you are running (Only work if the app is not hardcoded to open with winhlp32.exe)


XPWinhlp32.7z

 

It all started when I want to install old software. The software is beautifully written. It is written for windows XP (one of the best windows I ever installed in my life). But the thing is, the software help file is only works with the old windows help "winhlp32.exe"

A curse address to microsoft, thanks to microsoft that currently installing "winhlp32.exe" in windows 10 folder only to open internet link to microsoft support but without any support at all. microsoft called it help stub. stupid name for stupid file that does nothing but open a link to windows support

yes, the windows help stub file does nothing but opening those link.

okay. so how to solved it.

1. first, if you are windows 10 user running 64 bit, you need to have a copy of windows xp 64 bit help file. Get the file from here. it is a rar file, you need to unrar before use. after you download, place anywhere you like.

2. then, you need to remove manually "winhlp32.exe" in windows 10 folder. but, it's not that simple. the file is protected by trustedinstaller. yes sire, your honor, you need to get a rid of trustedinstaller security option first. this link will show you how to do it

3. when you finished delete the "winhlp32.exe" in windows 10 folder, copy the file from step 1 to \windows folder

4. enjoy

:)

 

can't open .hlp files with windows 10

We are volunteers willing to help you try to resolve this issue. I am Rob, a 10 time and dual award MVP specializing in Windows troubleshooting.

Unfortunately, Windows 10 does not natively support .hlp files.

This method will get them working.

How to Open .HLP WinHelp Files in Windows 10

http://www.trishtech.com/2015/12/how-to-open-hl...

Please let us know the results and if you need further assistance.

 

"Help"

Hi Bob,

Older software uses .hlp file format for help files, these do not work in modern versions of Windows

Open the program folder - right click the program is=con and choose properties, then click 'Open File Location'

Find the hlp file and copy it to the Cloud (DropBox, OneDrive . . . etc.)

Post a link here and I will convert it to a chm file for you, which will open in Windows 10

 

Microsoft deprecated the old .hlp format over 10 years ago because of security risks.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/micros...-of-hlp-files/

I've converted some of my more useful .hlp files to .chm.

The replacement format for help files is the compiled HTMLHelp format (CHM). The look and use of a .chm help file is almost identical to that of the older .hlp files. In fact, the project files (table of contents, images, text etc.) used to compile a .hlp file can easily be converted to a .chm project. From there it's an easy step to recompile the project in .chm format. Microsoft of course don't release the project files for their Help files, but these can be recreated by decompiling the .hlp file. A step-by-step guide including links to the (free) software required is here:

http://www.help-info.de/en/Help_Info...converting.htm

 

hi bree

thanks for the reply

yes, it could be a valid reason for Microsoft to deprecated the old .hlp format over 10 years ago because of security risks. they can say anything, don't they, be it a security risk of whatever they deem fit.

but they are very in generous only to direct us as a user to an internet link. they can however continue the support to open the old *.hlp file. if they know there will be a security risk over the old *.hlp file, they can assess the old *.hlp file using the modified "winhlp32.exe"

what's my point?

1. legitimate or valid or clean hlp files can't be open easily without any satisfactory solution
2. the old program that still using *.hlp file maybe long ago already stop the development. there's a reason people want to install it. there's a reason people still open it and want to open the *.hlp file from the main program
3. the new "winhlp32.exe" in windows 10 folder is nothing but an internet link. serve no purpose to put in windows 10 folder unless microsoft offer a solution for windows 10 user there


anyway thanks