Help Shortcut Blown UP

[Don]

I am getting an error message when I click on "Help and
Support" from the start menu in Windows XP Pro. The
messages reads:

"Windows cannot find 'helpctr.exe'. Make sure you typed
the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a
file, click the Start Button, and then click Search.

When I do this, it locates the helpctr.exe file in the
c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386 and the
c:\windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries directories. I have
tried doubleclicking on these files to start the help
center but that does not work. I cannot right click on
the shortcut in the start menu to look at the
properties. Also, if I try and copy these files into the
windows system or windows directory, nothing happens.
The file is not in the recycle file.

This problem just started. I haven't clicked help in a
while so I don't know what has happen since it last
worked. I have tried going back to previous restore
points and that has not helped either.

Any ideas? Thanks, Don

 

[Jake]

-----Original Message-----
I am getting an error message when I click on "Help and
Support" from the start menu in Windows XP Pro. The
messages reads:

"Windows cannot find 'helpctr.exe'. Make sure you typed
the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a
file, click the Start Button, and then click Search.

When I do this, it locates the helpctr.exe file in the
c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386 and the
c:\windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries directories. I have
tried doubleclicking on these files to start the help
center but that does not work. I cannot right click on
the shortcut in the start menu to look at the
properties. Also, if I try and copy these files into the
windows system or windows directory, nothing happens.
The file is not in the recycle file.

This problem just started. I haven't clicked help in a
while so I don't know what has happen since it last
worked. I have tried going back to previous restore
points and that has not helped either.

Any ideas? Thanks, Don
.
Try Search again, the one listed as

C:\Windows\PCHEALTH\HELP is the one that activates the
Help Center. If it is not listed there, it is corrupt or
missing. Then go to: Start/Run/type sfc /scannow at the
blinking cursor and click Enter, have your WinXP CD
reinstallation disk inserted. The CD will search your
harddrive for missing or corrupt files and ask you if you
want to replace them from the CD.

 

[don]

Thanks Jake, I tried your idea but it did not work. The
sfc program did not find any problem files. Do you or
anyone else have any other ideas that might work.
Thanks, Don.

 

[Bern]

You may want to do a repair install of XP. This is usually a safe procedure,
but it is a very good idea to back up any valuable files beforehand.
"How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install"
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Maureen Goldman]

I am getting an error message when I click on "Help and
Support" from the start menu in Windows XP Pro. The
messages reads:

"Why doesn't Help and Support work?"
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm