System Info; Msinfo32.exe; XP Sp 2

[Guest]

I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run'
when activated; rather "Help & Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a deleted 'index.dat'
file contained in a sub-folder of 'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix
I can see is a clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the problem ? If so, is a
clean re-install the only fix (or can I get an appropriate generic index.dat
file from somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

 

[Guest]

Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe', however
they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command line switches) do
NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this hasn't
solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on your links when
the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which the solutions are
designed.

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/

I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
Display the contents of system folders
Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the 123
from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the index.dat
file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/

I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Wesley

Thanks for your response - there is no 'index.dat' file - I'll email to
request one.

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the 123
from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the index.dat
file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

It's on the way. Let us know, here how it works out.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Wesley

Thanks for your response - there is no 'index.dat' file - I'll email
to request one.

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are
not typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the
123 from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the
index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Wesley

Many thanks for the 'index.dat' file - it completely solves the problem !

It's on the way. Let us know, here how it works out.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Wesley

Thanks for your response - there is no 'index.dat' file - I'll email
to request one.

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are
not typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the
123 from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the
index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In englishman <[email protected]> hunted and pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

I love it whan a plan comes together.

Keep having fun!

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

Wesley

Many thanks for the 'index.dat' file - it completely solves the
problem !

It's on the way. Let us know, here how it works out.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Wesley

Thanks for your response - there is no 'index.dat' file - I'll email
to request one.



:

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are
not typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove
the 123 from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy
of the index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In englishman <[email protected]> hunted and
pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine -
no problems. The problem is 'System Information' or
'Msinfo32.exe', however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe
with certain command line switches) do NOT run - instead they
invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but
this hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the
suggestions on your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be
the one for which the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Bert Kinney]

Nicely done Wesley. Any idea what causes the deletion of the
index.dat file?

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/

I love it whan a plan comes together.

Keep having fun!


In

Wesley

Many thanks for the 'index.dat' file - it completely
solves the problem !

It's on the way. Let us know, here how it works out.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
englishman <[email protected]>
hunted and pecked:
Wesley

Thanks for your response - there is no 'index.dat'
file - I'll email to request one.



:

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options |
View tab Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to
indicate they are not typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If
not, remove the 123 from my E-mail address and E-mail
me I'll send you a copy of the index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
englishman <[email protected]>
hunted and pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is
working fine - no problems. The problem is 'System
Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe', however they are
invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke
'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then
re-installed Sp2, but this hasn't solved the
problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the
one for which the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the
problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for
Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather
"Help & Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is
a deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a
sub-folder of 'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only
suggested fix I can see is a clean re-install of
Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of
the problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the
only fix (or can I get an appropriate generic
index.dat file from somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Hi Bert,

In my case, SWAG, Index.dat Suite. Index.dat Suite finds all the index.dat
files and sets up a batch file to delete them on boot. I don't know for
sure that Index.dat Suite is the culprit, in my case, but it's the most
likely suspect.

SWAG. Some sort of TIF cleaner is probably to blame in many other cases.

The index.dats in the Temporary Internet Files recreate themselves so, no
problem. The index.dat file in C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
doesn't ever get recreated. I changed mine to Read-only and have a zipped
backup.

Vampirefo actully discovered that the missing index.dat was causing the
msinfo32 problem. Kelly sent me a copy of the file and I copied it to the
appropriate place and my msinfo32 problem was over.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

Nicely done Wesley. Any idea what causes the deletion of the
index.dat file?

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/

I love it whan a plan comes together.

Keep having fun!


In

Wesley

Many thanks for the 'index.dat' file - it completely
solves the problem !



:

It's on the way. Let us know, here how it works out.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
englishman <[email protected]>
hunted and pecked:
Wesley

Thanks for your response - there is no 'index.dat'
file - I'll email to request one.



:

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options |
View tab Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to
indicate they are not typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If
not, remove the 123 from my E-mail address and E-mail
me I'll send you a copy of the index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
englishman <[email protected]>
hunted and pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is
working fine - no problems. The problem is 'System
Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe', however they are
invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke
'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then
re-installed Sp2, but this hasn't solved the
problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the
one for which the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the
problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for
Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather
"Help & Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is
a deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a
sub-folder of 'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only
suggested fix I can see is a clean re-install of
Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of
the problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the
only fix (or can I get an appropriate generic
index.dat file from somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Bert Kinney]

Thanks for the info Wesley, I am sure this will come in handy in the
future.

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/

Hi Bert,

In my case, SWAG, Index.dat Suite. Index.dat Suite finds
all the index.dat files and sets up a batch file to
delete them on boot. I don't know for sure that
Index.dat Suite is the culprit, in my case, but it's the
most likely suspect.

SWAG. Some sort of TIF cleaner is probably to blame in
many other cases.

The index.dats in the Temporary Internet Files recreate
themselves so, no problem. The index.dat file in
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache doesn't ever get
recreated. I changed mine to Read-only and have a zipped
backup.

Vampirefo actully discovered that the missing index.dat
was causing the msinfo32 problem. Kelly sent me a copy
of the file and I copied it to the appropriate place and
my msinfo32 problem was over.


In

Nicely done Wesley. Any idea what causes the deletion
of the index.dat file?

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/

I love it whan a plan comes together.

Keep having fun!


In
englishman <[email protected]> hunted
and pecked:
Wesley

Many thanks for the 'index.dat' file - it completely
solves the problem !



:

It's on the way. Let us know, here how it works out.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
englishman <[email protected]>
hunted and pecked:
Wesley

Thanks for your response - there is no 'index.dat'
file - I'll email to request one.



:

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options |
View tab Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to
indicate they are not typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If
not, remove the 123 from my E-mail address and
E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the index.dat
file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
englishman <[email protected]>
hunted and pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is
working fine - no problems. The problem is 'System
Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe', however they are
invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke
'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then
re-installed Sp2, but this hasn't solved the
problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be
the one for which the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the
problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for
Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated;
rather "Help & Support" is launched. It used to
work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem
is a deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a
sub-folder of 'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only
suggested fix I can see is a clean re-install of
Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause
of the problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the
only fix (or can I get an appropriate generic
index.dat file from somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

Thanks for the info Wesley, I am sure this will come in handy in the
future.

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/

Hi Bert,

In my case, SWAG, Index.dat Suite. Index.dat Suite finds
all the index.dat files and sets up a batch file to
delete them on boot. I don't know for sure that
Index.dat Suite is the culprit, in my case, but it's the
most likely suspect.

SWAG. Some sort of TIF cleaner is probably to blame in
many other cases.

The index.dats in the Temporary Internet Files recreate
themselves so, no problem. The index.dat file in
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache doesn't ever get
recreated. I changed mine to Read-only and have a zipped
backup.

Vampirefo actully discovered that the missing index.dat
was causing the msinfo32 problem. Kelly sent me a copy
of the file and I copied it to the appropriate place and
my msinfo32 problem was over.


In

Nicely done Wesley. Any idea what causes the deletion
of the index.dat file?

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


Wesley Vogel wrote:
I love it whan a plan comes together.

Keep having fun!


In
englishman <[email protected]> hunted
and pecked:
Wesley

Many thanks for the 'index.dat' file - it completely
solves the problem !



:

It's on the way. Let us know, here how it works out.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
englishman <[email protected]>
hunted and pecked:
Wesley

Thanks for your response - there is no 'index.dat'
file - I'll email to request one.



:

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options |
View tab Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to
indicate they are not typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If
not, remove the 123 from my E-mail address and
E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the index.dat
file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
englishman <[email protected]>
hunted and pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is
working fine - no problems. The problem is 'System
Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe', however they are
invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke
'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then
re-installed Sp2, but this hasn't solved the
problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be
the one for which the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the
problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for
Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated;
rather "Help & Support" is launched. It used to
work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem
is a deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a
sub-folder of 'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only
suggested fix I can see is a clean re-install of
Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause
of the problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the
only fix (or can I get an appropriate generic
index.dat file from somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Hi, I am having the same problem with msinfo. I realize this response is
over a year late, but I need to get the index.dat file back. Any help is
much appreciated.

JC

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the 123
from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the index.dat
file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

And I just happened to stumble across your message.

According to Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]...

Rebuilding the help center re-creates the index.dat.

Reinstalling Help and Support Center in Windows XP
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rebuildhelp.htm

So either do that or remove the 123 from my munged E-mail address and E-mail
me and I'll send the index.dat file.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

Hi, I am having the same problem with msinfo. I realize this response is
over a year late, but I need to get the index.dat file back. Any help is
much appreciated.

JC

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the 123
from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the
index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Hey there,
I'm having the same trouble as englishman did last year. I followed
wesley's instructions on finding the "index.dat" file & mine is there. Yet,
I'm still having trouble viewing my system information... It still opens up
Help and Support.... Does anyone have any ideas? All will be greatly
appreciated.
Thank you, Brittany

 

[Guest]

I have the same problem my index.dat is there but I get a message "cant
collect informatio" cannot access windows Management instrumentation
software, windows management files may be moved or missing. I am lost

 

[Guest]

Wesley You seem to be the Gruru for msinfo32 I have read all the stuff listed
and tried most of it, all my stuff as far as I know is there, but I all I get
is an error message which says "Cannot Access Windows Management
Instrumentation" Windows management Files may be moved or missing ?????
Help Nigel

And I just happened to stumble across your message.

According to Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]...

Rebuilding the help center re-creates the index.dat.

Reinstalling Help and Support Center in Windows XP
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rebuildhelp.htm

So either do that or remove the 123 from my munged E-mail address and E-mail
me and I'll send the index.dat file.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

Hi, I am having the same problem with msinfo. I realize this response is
over a year late, but I need to get the index.dat file back. Any help is
much appreciated.

JC

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the 123
from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the
index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In englishman <[email protected]> hunted and pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Guest]

And I just happened to stumble across your message.

According to Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]...

Rebuilding the help center re-creates the index.dat.

Reinstalling Help and Support Center in Windows XP
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rebuildhelp.htm

So either do that or remove the 123 from my munged E-mail address and E-mail
me and I'll send the index.dat file.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

Hi, I am having the same problem with msinfo. I realize this response is
over a year late, but I need to get the index.dat file back. Any help is
much appreciated.

JC

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the 123
from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the
index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In englishman <[email protected]> hunted and pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Hi, Wesley!

Having just e-mailed you & asked for the index.dat file, I read this post
and followed your link to Ramesh's solution. It worked instantly but third
and second lines from the end should be typed as a single comand line
(otherwise you get an error message saying netsvcs comand is not recognised).


Many thanks, Wesley! And good luck to everybody with the same pesky problem!

And I just happened to stumble across your message.

According to Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]...

Rebuilding the help center re-creates the index.dat.

Reinstalling Help and Support Center in Windows XP
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rebuildhelp.htm

So either do that or remove the 123 from my munged E-mail address and E-mail
me and I'll send the index.dat file.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

Hi, I am having the same problem with msinfo. I realize this response is
over a year late, but I need to get the index.dat file back. Any help is
much appreciated.

JC

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
 Display the contents of system folders
 Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
 Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there? If not, remove the 123
from my E-mail address and E-mail me I'll send you a copy of the
index.dat file.

Or if you like get a copy from a friend.

There a work arounds, but you are probably missing
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache\index.dat

I fixed this on my machine a couple of weeks ago.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In englishman <[email protected]> hunted and pecked:
Hi Bert. Thanks for this, but 'Help & Support' is working fine - no
problems. The problem is 'System Information' or 'Msinfo32.exe',
however they are invoked (except Msinfo32.exe with certain command
line switches) do NOT run - instead they invoke 'Help & Support'.

I've tried an Xp repair install and then re-installed Sp2, but this
hasn't solved the problem. I'm reluctant to try the suggestions on
your links when the 'problem' doesn't seem to be the one for which
the solutions are designed.

:

Hi,

Here are a couple of links that should fix the problem.

Fix WinXP Help after running Easy Cleaner
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/fixwinxphelp.htm

Troubleshooting Windows XP, Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

--
Regards,
Bert Kinney [MS-MVP DTS]
http://dts-l.org/


englishman wrote:
I have Xp Home Edition Sp 2.

I recently noticed that System Information (or
Msinfo32.exe) doesn't 'run' when activated; rather "Help
& Support" is launched. It used to work OK.

A quick search of websites suggests the problem is a
deleted 'index.dat' file contained in a sub-folder of
'WINDOWS/PCHEALTH'. The only suggested fix I can see is a
clean re-install of Xp.

Is this missing index.dat file really the cause of the
problem ? If so, is a clean re-install the only fix (or
can I get an appropriate generic index.dat file from
somewhere ?) ?

Or,.... is the problem to do with Sp 2 ?

I would welcome advice.

Many Thanks.

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Thanks for the update, Racer.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


Hi, Wesley!

Having just e-mailed you & asked for the index.dat file, I read this post
and followed your link to Ramesh's solution. It worked instantly but third
and second lines from the end should be typed as a single comand line
(otherwise you get an error message saying netsvcs comand is not
recognised).


Many thanks, Wesley! And good luck to everybody with the same pesky problem!