.hlp files won't open

[Zlink123]

Hello everyone Long time no see,
For Christmas I got a new computer, Its really awsome and besides the following problem I haven't had any trouble. For some reason help files with the file extension .hlp will not open. At first I thought it was only a problem with the MIRC.hlp file, which is the help file I really need but then I tried opening up other help file and none of them with the file extension .hlp will open. I haven't found any other file types with this problem, not even other types of help files. I have no idea of what is wrong so any suggestions or solutions would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot

[Jeff]

Hi Zlink123...LTNS!

New computer? Lucky you! Did it come with operating system pre-installed? What operating system? If you're running XP or most Windows OS, you'll want to associate the .HLP file extension with winhelp.exe (usually found in C:\WINDOWS\winhelp.exe). You can set the association through Windows Explorer > Tools > Folder Options > File Types

[Zlink123]

I tried that, and it didn't work, thanks for the suggestion though Jeff. I have windows Xp home. Whenever I try and open up a help file, it loads for a split second and then nothing happens. Hopefully that little tid bit of information will help someone in finding a solution for my problem.
Thanks again,

[magistyk]

Can you open winhelp.exe by going to Start < Run < winhelp.exe?

Do you get an error at all? Such as one stating "This file is not for Browsing"?

[magistyk]

You might also want to try Windows Update. I don't use Windows XP Home, so I wouldn't know.. but there might be an update/fix for it.

http://www.windowsupdate.com

[Zlink123]

I tried windows update, and that didn't help. Then I tried just opening up winhelp.exe and it did the same as when I try to open a help file. Loads for a split second and then nothing happens, no error message or anything.

[rustedtight]

Your OS is corrupt, if this has been happening from day one then return the system to the builder and ask for it to be fixed.