unable to open .hlp files from within an app.

[dcdc]

Hi
98SE
I really need to access some tutorials from within an app. via the Help menu.
There is no response when clicking on items in the Help drop down menu - items that try to open .hlp files.

Help will work in programs (such as Wordpad) when the relevant .hlp files are located in C:Windows\Help. But not in progs where the .hlp files are in the prog's own folder.
Windows Help is OK also.
Help will also work with progs that use .chm or .html files.

I dont have the Win update patch installed that is supposed to cause a problem of this kind.
Have tried reinstalling one of the progs.
Have repaired icons and file associations.

Does anyone have any ideas, please.

[Chris in U.K.]

Hi dcdc,

What's the app in question? I'm on to XP so I can't make direct comparisons.

Are you sure you chose the right install options for the app (not minimum drive space, for example)?

If you can see the help files in Windows Explorer, try opening them with Internet Explorer - that's fairly format-tolerant.

The file associations that you mention may be a problem - I tend not to check the 'always use' box in the 'open with' dialogue box, and make a choice each time.

HTH,

Chris

[Dan Penny]

"... tutorials from within an app. via the Help menu..."

What's the application/program?

Is it only the one? (You stated other help files work OK.)

[dcdc]

Hi
Sorry for delay in answering. I should have kept looking every day.

The Help I need to view is in Micrographix Picture Publisher, but The same thing happens in Superscape and other smaller programs.
All the progs have one thing in common : the .hlp files that should be activated are contained in the prog's own folders - rather than in Window\Help (where, for example an app such as Wordpad keeps its .hlp files).

Chris in UK
Help within all programs in question used to work fine.
Have tried to open from within IE. But it just presents the 'open with' dialogue box.

I have already opened a .hlp file in Notepad using the 'open with' dialogue box. But of course it just displays the code the file was written in.
I think a .hlp file is prob a system file. The trouble is there is no facility for stipulating the .hlp file should be opened by the OS.

Anyway, I have a feeling something is wrong with the process of calling up the file. Rather than Windows not being able to open the file. (The .hlp files are opening OK from within Windows Help, Notepad etc.)

Had a feeling this was not an easy one !