Help and Support Won't Open

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Guest

I recently upgraded my old Gateway PII 450Mhz computer from Win98SE to XP
home edition with SP2 included. After the install I set up the computer to
make sure everything was working ok. Sometime later I tried the Help and
Support from the Start menu. I got the hour glass like something was
happening but it never opened. I looked at previous posts and tried
Kellys-Korner, but nothing seemed to work from their fixes. I reinstalled the
XP OS again but Help and Support still won't load.

Any suggestions? Everything else seems to work fine with the XP upgrade.
 
Hi Wes,

I tried the 235 and Doug's fix. Now I get an error window that says can't
find helpctr.exe. I had also tried reinstalling Help & Support by installing
the pchealth.inf following the instructions...this came up with the same
result.

Any suggestions?

Wesley Vogel said:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Read instructions at the top
Scroll down to:
235. Restore Help and Support Service

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Click on the ? Icon to Expand
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

[?] Why doesn't Help and Support work?


Fix Windows XP Help
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
Bill B said:
I recently upgraded my old Gateway PII 450Mhz computer from Win98SE
to XP home edition with SP2 included. After the install I set up the
computer to make sure everything was working ok. Sometime later I
tried the Help and Support from the Start menu. I got the hour glass
like something was happening but it never opened. I looked at
previous posts and tried Kellys-Korner, but nothing seemed to work
from their fixes. I reinstalled the XP OS again but Help and Support
still won't load.

Any suggestions? Everything else seems to work fine with the XP
upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Bill,

Fix the App Paths now.

"Help and Support" link from Start Menu does not work:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Wes,

I tried the 235 and Doug's fix. Now I get an error window that says can't
find helpctr.exe. I had also tried reinstalling Help & Support by installing
the pchealth.inf following the instructions...this came up with the same
result.

Any suggestions?

Wesley Vogel said:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Read instructions at the top
Scroll down to:
235. Restore Help and Support Service

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Click on the ? Icon to Expand
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

[?] Why doesn't Help and Support work?


Fix Windows XP Help
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
Bill B said:
I recently upgraded my old Gateway PII 450Mhz computer from Win98SE
to XP home edition with SP2 included. After the install I set up the
computer to make sure everything was working ok. Sometime later I
tried the Help and Support from the Start menu. I got the hour glass
like something was happening but it never opened. I looked at
previous posts and tried Kellys-Korner, but nothing seemed to work
from their fixes. I reinstalled the XP OS again but Help and Support
still won't load.

Any suggestions? Everything else seems to work fine with the XP
upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Ramesh. I'll give it a go tomorrow.

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Fix the App Paths now.

"Help and Support" link from Start Menu does not work:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Wes,

I tried the 235 and Doug's fix. Now I get an error window that says can't
find helpctr.exe. I had also tried reinstalling Help & Support by installing
the pchealth.inf following the instructions...this came up with the same
result.

Any suggestions?

Wesley Vogel said:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Read instructions at the top
Scroll down to:
235. Restore Help and Support Service

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Click on the ? Icon to Expand
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

[?] Why doesn't Help and Support work?


Fix Windows XP Help
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
Bill B said:
I recently upgraded my old Gateway PII 450Mhz computer from Win98SE
to XP home edition with SP2 included. After the install I set up the
computer to make sure everything was working ok. Sometime later I
tried the Help and Support from the Start menu. I got the hour glass
like something was happening but it never opened. I looked at
previous posts and tried Kellys-Korner, but nothing seemed to work
from their fixes. I reinstalled the XP OS again but Help and Support
still won't load.

Any suggestions? Everything else seems to work fine with the XP
upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Good Luck and keep us posted. BTW, open the REG file in Notepad and alter the path to Helpctr.exe if Windows is isntalled in a different drive than C:

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Thanks Ramesh. I'll give it a go tomorrow.

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Fix the App Paths now.

"Help and Support" link from Start Menu does not work:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Wes,

I tried the 235 and Doug's fix. Now I get an error window that says can't
find helpctr.exe. I had also tried reinstalling Help & Support by installing
the pchealth.inf following the instructions...this came up with the same
result.

Any suggestions?

Wesley Vogel said:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Read instructions at the top
Scroll down to:
235. Restore Help and Support Service

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Click on the ? Icon to Expand
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

[?] Why doesn't Help and Support work?


Fix Windows XP Help
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
Bill B said:
I recently upgraded my old Gateway PII 450Mhz computer from Win98SE
to XP home edition with SP2 included. After the install I set up the
computer to make sure everything was working ok. Sometime later I
tried the Help and Support from the Start menu. I got the hour glass
like something was happening but it never opened. I looked at
previous posts and tried Kellys-Korner, but nothing seemed to work
from their fixes. I reinstalled the XP OS again but Help and Support
still won't load.

Any suggestions? Everything else seems to work fine with the XP
upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Hi Ramesh,

I had a travel day yesterday so I couldn't work on this problem. I did try
it this morning. It still comes up with the same error after doing as you
suggested. I do have a second hardrive that is a copy of the working C: drive
which I used CasperXP to duplicate. But C: has the active OS.

Any more suggestions?

Ramesh said:
Good Luck and keep us posted. BTW, open the REG file in Notepad and alter the path to Helpctr.exe if Windows is isntalled in a different drive than C:

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Thanks Ramesh. I'll give it a go tomorrow.

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Fix the App Paths now.

"Help and Support" link from Start Menu does not work:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Wes,

I tried the 235 and Doug's fix. Now I get an error window that says can't
find helpctr.exe. I had also tried reinstalling Help & Support by installing
the pchealth.inf following the instructions...this came up with the same
result.

Any suggestions?

Wesley Vogel said:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Read instructions at the top
Scroll down to:
235. Restore Help and Support Service

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Click on the ? Icon to Expand
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

[?] Why doesn't Help and Support work?


Fix Windows XP Help
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In Bill B <[email protected]> hunted and pecked:
I recently upgraded my old Gateway PII 450Mhz computer from Win98SE
to XP home edition with SP2 included. After the install I set up the
computer to make sure everything was working ok. Sometime later I
tried the Help and Support from the Start menu. I got the hour glass
like something was happening but it never opened. I looked at
previous posts and tried Kellys-Korner, but nothing seemed to work
from their fixes. I reinstalled the XP OS again but Help and Support
still won't load.

Any suggestions? Everything else seems to work fine with the XP
upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Bill,

Can you export and post this registry key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]

Also verify if HelpCtr.exe is available in X:\Windows\PCHealth\helpctr\binaries\ folder.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

I had a travel day yesterday so I couldn't work on this problem. I did try
it this morning. It still comes up with the same error after doing as you
suggested. I do have a second hardrive that is a copy of the working C: drive
which I used CasperXP to duplicate. But C: has the active OS.

Any more suggestions?

:
<snip>
 
Hi Ramesh,

The application helpctr.exe is located in the correct folder. Here is the
registry entry.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@="Help and Support"
"LocalizedString"="@explorer.exe,-7021"
"InfoTip"="@explorer.exe,-7001"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,\
65,00,6c,00,6c,00,33,00,32,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,2d,00,32,00,34,\
00,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\InProcServer32
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,\
64,00,6f,00,63,00,76,00,77,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,00,00
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance]
"CLSID"="{3f454f0e-42ae-4d7c-8ea3-328250d6e272}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag]
"CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}"
"command"="@shell32.dll,-12709"
"method"="Help"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\MayChangeDefaultMenu]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000

I hope I did this right? Let me know, Thank You for your help!

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Can you export and post this registry key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]

Also verify if HelpCtr.exe is available in X:\Windows\PCHealth\helpctr\binaries\ folder.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

I had a travel day yesterday so I couldn't work on this problem. I did try
it this morning. It still comes up with the same error after doing as you
suggested. I do have a second hardrive that is a copy of the working C: drive
which I used CasperXP to duplicate. But C: has the active OS.

Any more suggestions?

:
<snip>
Click to expand...
 
The REG key is fine. Are you able to launch Helpctr.exe from the folder directly?

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

The application helpctr.exe is located in the correct folder. Here is the
registry entry.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@="Help and Support"
"LocalizedString"="@explorer.exe,-7021"
"InfoTip"="@explorer.exe,-7001"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon]
<snip>
 
Hi Ramesh,

No I can't launch Helpctr.exe directly from the folder. I get the hour glass
and nothing happens.
 
Bill,
Now I get an error window that says can't find helpctr.exe
Click to expand...

When do you get this error?

Meanwhile try this fix:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/helpsvcrestore.reg

Then type this command from Start, Run dialog:

regsvr32 itss

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

No I can't launch Helpctr.exe directly from the folder. I get the hour glass
and nothing happens.

Ramesh said:
The REG key is fine. Are you able to launch Helpctr.exe from the folder directly?
Click to expand...

<snip>
 
Hi Ramesh,

When I click on Help and Support from the Start menu. Also when I use the F1
key nothing happens.
 
Bill,
Assuming that you've tried the previous suggestion (REG fix and registering itss.dll):
In addition, register the hhctrl.ocx file (as in the Top10 Faq page)

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

When I click on Help and Support from the Start menu. Also when I use the F1
key nothing happens.

Ramesh said:
Bill,


When do you get this error?

Meanwhile try this fix:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/helpsvcrestore.reg

Then type this command from Start, Run dialog:

regsvr32 itss

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

No I can't launch Helpctr.exe directly from the folder. I get the hour glass
and nothing happens.
Click to expand...
<snip>
 
I'm having the same problem, except when I installed SP2 and clicked on Help
and Support, instead of showing the hourglass, like it did for Bill, it gave
me an error saying that Windows cannot find helpctr.exe. I checked in the
folder and tried running it from there, but I get an error saying that
"Windows cannot start Help and Support because a system service is not
running. To fix this problem, start the service named Help and Support."

I'm using Windows XP Professional on a Compaq computer. My download of SP2
is over a month old, and i've had this problem from the day I downloaded it.
Also, the process HELPCTR, started by SYSTEM, is no longer showing up on the
processes tab of Tasl Manager.

I exported the registry key, and here it is:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@="Help and Support"
"LocalizedString"="@explorer.exe,-7021"
"InfoTip"="@explorer.exe,-7001"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,65,6c,6c,33,32,2e,64,6c,6c,2c,2d,32,34,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\InProcServer32]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,64,6f,63,76,77,2e,64,6c,6c,00
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance]
"CLSID"="{3f454f0e-42ae-4d7c-8ea3-328250d6e272}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag]
"CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}"
"command"="@shell32.dll,-12709"
"method"="Help"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\MayChangeDefaultMenu]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let me know if you can suggest anything for me. The fact that HELPCTR is not
opening is preventing me from using Application Compatiblity and the SysInfo
tool.

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Can you export and post this registry key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]

Also verify if HelpCtr.exe is available in X:\Windows\PCHealth\helpctr\binaries\ folder.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

I had a travel day yesterday so I couldn't work on this problem. I did try
it this morning. It still comes up with the same error after doing as you
suggested. I do have a second hardrive that is a copy of the working C: drive
which I used CasperXP to duplicate. But C: has the active OS.

Any more suggestions?

:
<snip>
Click to expand...
 
Hi Ramesh,

Sorry I missed the bottom part of your message. I had looked at it late last
night. I'll have a friend try out your latest advice on that computer. I was
giving my old computer away to a friend and was trying to get the Help And
Suport working correctly before doing so, it's now 500 miles away from me. In
the meantime I'll wait for their response which might take some time.

Hopefully this suggestion will do it.

I will get back to you on this though....Thanks for all the Help!! Bill
 
First, start the Help and Support service and set it to "Automatic" via Services.msc applet. As for the "cannot find helpctr.exe" fix your App Paths using the REG fix here:

"Help and Support" link from Start Menu does not work:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
I'm having the same problem, except when I installed SP2 and clicked on Help
and Support, instead of showing the hourglass, like it did for Bill, it gave
me an error saying that Windows cannot find helpctr.exe. I checked in the
folder and tried running it from there, but I get an error saying that
"Windows cannot start Help and Support because a system service is not
running. To fix this problem, start the service named Help and Support."

I'm using Windows XP Professional on a Compaq computer. My download of SP2
is over a month old, and i've had this problem from the day I downloaded it.
Also, the process HELPCTR, started by SYSTEM, is no longer showing up on the
processes tab of Tasl Manager.

I exported the registry key, and here it is:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@="Help and Support"
"LocalizedString"="@explorer.exe,-7021"
"InfoTip"="@explorer.exe,-7001"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,65,6c,6c,33,32,2e,64,6c,6c,2c,2d,32,34,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\InProcServer32]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,64,6f,63,76,77,2e,64,6c,6c,00
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance]
"CLSID"="{3f454f0e-42ae-4d7c-8ea3-328250d6e272}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag]
"CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}"
"command"="@shell32.dll,-12709"
"method"="Help"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\MayChangeDefaultMenu]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let me know if you can suggest anything for me. The fact that HELPCTR is not
opening is preventing me from using Application Compatiblity and the SysInfo
tool.

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Can you export and post this registry key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]

Also verify if HelpCtr.exe is available in X:\Windows\PCHealth\helpctr\binaries\ folder.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

I had a travel day yesterday so I couldn't work on this problem. I did try
it this morning. It still comes up with the same error after doing as you
suggested. I do have a second hardrive that is a copy of the working C: drive
which I used CasperXP to duplicate. But C: has the active OS.

Any more suggestions?

:
<snip>
Click to expand...
 
O, I was able to fix the Start Menu link, but when I try to start the Help
and Support service, I get an error saying "Could not start the Help and
Support service on Local Computer. Error 1083:The executable program that
this service is configured to run in does not implement this service."

In the properties screen for the service, the Service Name is helpsvc, but
the path to executable is C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs

For some reason, I think that's the problem. Please let me know if I'm
right, or if there's something else wrong with my computer.

Ramesh said:
First, start the Help and Support service and set it to "Automatic" via Services.msc applet. As for the "cannot find helpctr.exe" fix your App Paths using the REG fix here:

"Help and Support" link from Start Menu does not work:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
I'm having the same problem, except when I installed SP2 and clicked on Help
and Support, instead of showing the hourglass, like it did for Bill, it gave
me an error saying that Windows cannot find helpctr.exe. I checked in the
folder and tried running it from there, but I get an error saying that
"Windows cannot start Help and Support because a system service is not
running. To fix this problem, start the service named Help and Support."

I'm using Windows XP Professional on a Compaq computer. My download of SP2
is over a month old, and i've had this problem from the day I downloaded it.
Also, the process HELPCTR, started by SYSTEM, is no longer showing up on the
processes tab of Tasl Manager.

I exported the registry key, and here it is:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@="Help and Support"
"LocalizedString"="@explorer.exe,-7021"
"InfoTip"="@explorer.exe,-7001"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,65,6c,6c,33,32,2e,64,6c,6c,2c,2d,32,34,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\InProcServer32]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,64,6f,63,76,77,2e,64,6c,6c,00
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance]
"CLSID"="{3f454f0e-42ae-4d7c-8ea3-328250d6e272}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag]
"CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}"
"command"="@shell32.dll,-12709"
"method"="Help"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\MayChangeDefaultMenu]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let me know if you can suggest anything for me. The fact that HELPCTR is not
opening is preventing me from using Application Compatiblity and the SysInfo
tool.

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Can you export and post this registry key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]

Also verify if HelpCtr.exe is available in X:\Windows\PCHealth\helpctr\binaries\ folder.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

I had a travel day yesterday so I couldn't work on this problem. I did try
it this morning. It still comes up with the same error after doing as you
suggested. I do have a second hardrive that is a copy of the working C: drive
which I used CasperXP to duplicate. But C: has the active OS.

Any more suggestions?

:
<snip>
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Scroll down to line :235
Restore Help and Support Service

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
O, I was able to fix the Start Menu link, but when I try to start the Help
and Support service, I get an error saying "Could not start the Help and
Support service on Local Computer. Error 1083:The executable program that
this service is configured to run in does not implement this service."

In the properties screen for the service, the Service Name is helpsvc, but
the path to executable is C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs

For some reason, I think that's the problem. Please let me know if I'm
right, or if there's something else wrong with my computer.

Ramesh said:
First, start the Help and Support service and set it to "Automatic" via Services.msc applet. As for the "cannot find helpctr.exe" fix your App Paths using the REG fix here:

"Help and Support" link from Start Menu does not work:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
I'm having the same problem, except when I installed SP2 and clicked on Help
and Support, instead of showing the hourglass, like it did for Bill, it gave
me an error saying that Windows cannot find helpctr.exe. I checked in the
folder and tried running it from there, but I get an error saying that
"Windows cannot start Help and Support because a system service is not
running. To fix this problem, start the service named Help and Support."

I'm using Windows XP Professional on a Compaq computer. My download of SP2
is over a month old, and i've had this problem from the day I downloaded it.
Also, the process HELPCTR, started by SYSTEM, is no longer showing up on the
processes tab of Tasl Manager.

I exported the registry key, and here it is:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@="Help and Support"
"LocalizedString"="@explorer.exe,-7021"
"InfoTip"="@explorer.exe,-7001"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,65,6c,6c,33,32,2e,64,6c,6c,2c,2d,32,34,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\InProcServer32]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,64,6f,63,76,77,2e,64,6c,6c,00
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance]
"CLSID"="{3f454f0e-42ae-4d7c-8ea3-328250d6e272}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag]
"CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}"
"command"="@shell32.dll,-12709"
"method"="Help"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\MayChangeDefaultMenu]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let me know if you can suggest anything for me. The fact that HELPCTR is not
opening is preventing me from using Application Compatiblity and the SysInfo
tool.

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Can you export and post this registry key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]

Also verify if HelpCtr.exe is available in X:\Windows\PCHealth\helpctr\binaries\ folder.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

I had a travel day yesterday so I couldn't work on this problem. I did try
it this morning. It still comes up with the same error after doing as you
suggested. I do have a second hardrive that is a copy of the working C: drive
which I used CasperXP to duplicate. But C: has the active OS.

Any more suggestions?

:
<snip>
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I've already tried it. Didn't do anything for my system.

Ramesh said:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Scroll down to line :235
Restore Help and Support Service

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
O, I was able to fix the Start Menu link, but when I try to start the Help
and Support service, I get an error saying "Could not start the Help and
Support service on Local Computer. Error 1083:The executable program that
this service is configured to run in does not implement this service."

In the properties screen for the service, the Service Name is helpsvc, but
the path to executable is C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs

For some reason, I think that's the problem. Please let me know if I'm
right, or if there's something else wrong with my computer.

Ramesh said:
First, start the Help and Support service and set it to "Automatic" via Services.msc applet. As for the "cannot find helpctr.exe" fix your App Paths using the REG fix here:

"Help and Support" link from Start Menu does not work:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
I'm having the same problem, except when I installed SP2 and clicked on Help
and Support, instead of showing the hourglass, like it did for Bill, it gave
me an error saying that Windows cannot find helpctr.exe. I checked in the
folder and tried running it from there, but I get an error saying that
"Windows cannot start Help and Support because a system service is not
running. To fix this problem, start the service named Help and Support."

I'm using Windows XP Professional on a Compaq computer. My download of SP2
is over a month old, and i've had this problem from the day I downloaded it.
Also, the process HELPCTR, started by SYSTEM, is no longer showing up on the
processes tab of Tasl Manager.

I exported the registry key, and here it is:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@="Help and Support"
"LocalizedString"="@explorer.exe,-7021"
"InfoTip"="@explorer.exe,-7001"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,65,6c,6c,33,32,2e,64,6c,6c,2c,2d,32,34,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\InProcServer32]
@=hex(2):25,53,79,73,74,65,6d,52,6f,6f,74,25,5c,73,79,73,74,65,6d,33,32,\
5c,73,68,64,6f,63,76,77,2e,64,6c,6c,00
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance]
"CLSID"="{3f454f0e-42ae-4d7c-8ea3-328250d6e272}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag]
"CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}"
"command"="@shell32.dll,-12709"
"method"="Help"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\MayChangeDefaultMenu]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let me know if you can suggest anything for me. The fact that HELPCTR is not
opening is preventing me from using Application Compatiblity and the SysInfo
tool.

Ramesh said:
Bill,

Can you export and post this registry key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f1-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]

Also verify if HelpCtr.exe is available in X:\Windows\PCHealth\helpctr\binaries\ folder.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org
--------------------------------------------
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolband, Toolbar Icons and BHO:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
--------------------------------------------
The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
--------------------------------------------
Hi Ramesh,

I had a travel day yesterday so I couldn't work on this problem. I did try
it this morning. It still comes up with the same error after doing as you
suggested. I do have a second hardrive that is a copy of the working C: drive
which I used CasperXP to duplicate. But C: has the active OS.

Any more suggestions?

:
<snip>
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 

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