How to Open old HLP files from Windows 10

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

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

topgundcp said:

@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.

1. Copy XP64winhlp32.exe to C:\Windows or to C:\Windows\system32 if your Windows 10 is 64 bit. else copy XP32winhlp32.exe.
2. 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

Hi, I was following this guide and came up with something even better for Windows 10:

* Make a batch file and make the original be replaced by the new one, and use the already existing settings to REALLY open *hlp files and not just redirect to some M$ webpage.

batch content (command prompt must have admin privilege):

takeown /F C:\Windows\winhlp32.exe
icacls C:\Windows\winhlp32.exe /grant "you username without the quotes":F
ren C:\Windows\winhlp32.exe winhlp32.exe.bak
copy "PATH to the folder of the batchfile and the downloaded x86 or x64 hlp viewer without quotes(I use x64)"\XP64winhlp32.exe C:\Windows\winhlp32.exe

just to say thanks for this info.
A dear old copy of Delphi-7 from 2002 is now OK with its Help function.
(tried first 32 bit, then 64 bit, both seem to work, so using 64-bit one from XP .7z)
And didn't even have to reboot :) :) :)

topgundcp said:

@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.

1. Copy XP64winhlp32.exe to C:\Windows or to C:\Windows\system32 if your Windows 10 is 64 bit. else copy XP32winhlp32.exe.
2. 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

Your attachment doesn't work anymore

Works fine on Windows 10 Pro Version 21H1 and 21H2, thanks