Welcome!

Click start>run

Type in: services.msc

Click OK

Look for Help and Support in the list that appears. Double-click on it and on next screen make sure the Startup Type is set to Automatic. Exit and reboot. 

Let us know if that helps, or not. There are lots of potential causes for this problem.

Ron 

Thanks for the response.

Help and Support is running and set to Automatic. I've

visited this and rebooted a couple times.

I've tried running:

%Windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe

Nothing happens.

Tried to install Windows\inf\pcheath.inf

I need dataspec.xml from the XP disc.

Windows says the Dell XP disc is the wrong CD.

Thanks! 

Scanned for malware lately?

What CD do you have and what's installed on the hard drive? And exactly what error message are you getting with that CD?

You could try a windows system file, but you'll need the right CD for that to work too:

click start>run

type in: sfc /scannow

(space between sfc and /)

click ok

Insert XP CD if sfc requests it and reboot when it's done.

If you've recently run a registry cleaner, there are some fixes for Help&Support at kellys korner which is a very reliable resource for fixing XP problems.

Here's how to properly reinstall H&S:

Start Menu/Help and Support doesn't work: Go to Start/Run and type in: helpctr -regserver and Start/Run/CMD: regsvr32 /u hhctrl.ocx.

To reinstall Help and Support: Go to C:\Windows\inf\pchealth.inf. Right click and choose install. Have your CD handy.

Note: The folder is hidden by default. Go to Start/Run and type in: control folders

Click View: Show hidden files and folders and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.

Ron

You've given something new to try:

Here's how to properly reinstall H&S:

Start Menu/Help and Support doesn't work: Go to Start/Run and type in: helpctr -regserver and Start/Run/CMD: regsvr32 /u hhctrl.ocx.

I'll give it try later on. Getting ready to put some rainbow Trout on the grill.

I'll let you know, and thanks!

- thumbs 

I just executed the commands you suggested.

Help and Support still doesn't run, but I'm going to

reboot. Need to do that, right?

- thumbs 

Send me your address and I'll be right over for some of that rainbow trout!

That's only fair... :D :D

Ron

EDIT: Did you do the second part of that procedure?

To reinstall Help and Support:

<>Go to C:\Windows\inf\pchealth.inf. Right click and choose install. Have your CD handy.

Ron,

I done that already a few times, but not with first running the

Start/Run/CMD: regsvr32 /u hhctrl.ocx

command.

Just did it. Found all the necessary files on my Dell

XP CD. 

Help and Support still won't run.

Going to reboot, right?

The Rainbow Trout is cooking in Florida.

Going to reboot, EAT, and be back later. 

Thanks! 

- thumbs 

BTW, I ran Adaware 2007 and Spybot and just deleted some cookies, but no critical objects.

Still no Help and Support. 

Rats.

- thumbs 

Wellllll,

The Rainbow Trout came out great on the grill. Some vegetable oil, salt and a little pepper. Just cut off the head and butterfly. Cook skin side up over some hot coals till browned and a little crispy, then flip'em over skin side down for a couple minutes. My wife just said, "Thanks for dinner." Came out great. 

I completed both parts of the procedure as you recommended and rebooted.

Help and Support still doesn't run, but my desktop theme reverted to XP rather than my old Windows Classic.

Come to think of it, I think there are help files in other applications that don't run either.

I'm stumped. 

Any other suggestions? 

- thumbs 

I wasn't hungry until I read your post but FL is a bit far for me to come for dinner on such short notice.  Next time give me at least a day to get there!

You should be able to re-set it to Classic in the Desktop  control panel.

Hmmmm... If you're having trouble with a bunch of apps...

First, run  chkdsk on the hard drive:

click start>run

type in: chkdsk c: /f

click OK

Accept offer to run chkdsk at next boot and then reboot. Chkdsk will run before XP loads the next time. This probably won't fix the real problem but should fix any file system errors which might be preventing any fixes from working.

And all this makes me wonder if you need to run a Repair/Reinstall of XP. Personal files and software you installed will be ok, but always good to back up on CD first. After a Repair/Reinstall, you will have to install all Microsoft updates again.

 Not sure what else to advise...

Ron