Excel: Error Message "This Version of Help File not Supported"

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 4.0, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

When attempting to access help in Microsoft Excel, the following error message may be generated:

     This version of Help file not supported.

CAUSE

This indicates that the Windows help engine, WINHELP.EXE, is incapable of accessing the help file because that help file was created for a later version of the Windows help engine.

MORE INFORMATION

The help file that comes with Excel 4.0 requires the Windows 3.1 help engine. By default, Excel 4.0 setup will install the Windows 3.1 help engine in the Windows directory if you install Excel 4.0 under Windows 3.0.

NOTE: Microsoft Excel version 5.0 requires Windows 3.1 or later.

However, if this problem does occur, search for the file WINHELP.EXE. The search should include network drives. The WINHELP.EXE file should be located in the Windows directory or in a shared Windows directory if Windows is running from a shared network directory. WINHELP.EXE should be version 3.1 or later. To confirm the version of WINHELP.EXE run the file and and choose About Help from the Help menu.

If the Windows help engine is not version 3.1 or if the error message is still generated, rename the WINHELP.EXE file and do one of the following:

• If you are using Windows 3.1, expand the WINHELP EXE file from your Windows 3.1 disks using the EXPAND.EXE command that comes with Windows.

  -or-

• Reinstall Excel 4.0.