Also check the most obvious place.......be sure the service is running in Windows Services:

Click Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services, right click Help and Support Service, click Properties, be sure StartUp Type is "Automatic" and be sure the Service Status is "Started"  If it reads Stopped, click the Start button on that screen.  Click Apply, click OK. 

I can't do much without the error message or a description of the problem but take a look here -> http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

This should help resolve the issue if its not opening. The Reg file should fix the most common issues with Help And Support.

Peggy:

Thank you for your advice; however, I have tried that and I get an error messsage.  I submitted a second post in more detail, if you care you check it out.  Perhaps, you can add additional expertise.

Thank you.

 

 

Thank you for responding.  I made a copy of your response to review and study so that I can apply the protocol; however, if you wish to review my second post--perhaps, it would clarify the problem in more detail.  I was timed out and it forward the incomplete message to post.  I am at my wits end here trying to resolve what should be a simple solution, if any.  Thanks again for your help.

Try opening Help & Support by clicking Start, Run, type into box: HelpCtr.exe ?  If so, it DOES sound like a path problem and doing what is suggested at the link in Macado458's post above would probably permanently fix the path/link association problem.  If that doesn't resolve it, I would be inclined to think the Help & Support system file is corrupt or missing.  Doing the Start, Run, type into box: sfc /scannow (note the space before the /) will check all system files and prompt you to put the XP CD in your CD drive to replace any corrupt files it finds.  If still won't work, I'm at a loss for further suggestions.

Message Edited by buttoni on 08-30-200609:23 PM

Message Edited by buttoni on 08-30-200609:29 PM

You're quite welcome.  Glad to be of some help.