32-bit Help Fails to Start When 16-bit Help Is Running

 Last reviewed: October 21, 1997
Article ID: Q169020
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

Windows NT cannot open a 32-bit help file if a 16-bit help file is already open. You get the following error message: 

   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.
Windows NT supports both 16-bit and 32-bit Help files. Windows NT uses Winhelp.exe for 16-bit Help files and Winhlp32.exe for 32-bit Help file.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when a user tries to open a 32-bit Help file but already has a 16-bit version of Help running. Windows NT, instead of starting the 32-bit Help engine, will pass the 32-bit Help file to the 16-bit Help engine. As a result, the user will get the error message.

RESOLUTION

Obtain the following fix or wait for the next Windows NT service pack.

This fix should have the following timestamp: 

   06/17/97  09:13 PM               323,344 User32.dll (Intel)
   06/17/97  08:13 PM               579,344 User32.dll (Alpha)
NOTE: Service Pack 3 must be applied to Windows NT 4.0 prior to applying this fix.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information. 

Keywords          : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 nt16ap nt32ap NTSrvWkst kbinterop kbbuglist kbfixlist
Version           : 4.0
Platform          : winnt
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

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Last reviewed: October 21, 1997
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