Err Msg: This File Is Not a Windows Help File

 Last reviewed: November 13, 1996
Article ID: Q159340
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to open a Help (.hlp) file located on the Microsoft Windows 95 CD-ROM using Microsoft Windows or Windows for Workgroups version 3.x, the following error message is displayed: 

   This file is not a Windows Help file.
When you click OK, you receive the following error message: 

   A newer version of Help is needed to view this Help file.

CAUSE

Due to formatting changes made in Windows 95 Help files, the Windows or Windows for Workgroups 3.x version of Winhelp.exe is unable to open Windows 95 Help files. This includes the uncompressed Help files located on the Windows 95 CD-ROM.

RESOLUTION

Upgrade your version of Windows to Windows 95.

MORE INFORMATION

When you upgrade Windows or Windows for Workgroups 3.x to Windows 95, the old version of Winhelp.exe is replaced with new versions of Winhelp.exe and Winhelp32.exe. These versions can open the uncompressed Help files located on the Windows 95 CD-ROM, and allow for backwards compatibility in that they are also able to open Windows or Windows for Workgroups 3.x Help files.

KBCategory: kberrmsg kbenv
KBSubcategory: win30 win31 wfwg win95
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.00a 3.10 3.11 95 hlp

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Last reviewed: November 13, 1996
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