PRB: MSDN Library Unable to Display Help from Within Visual Studio Programs

• MSDN Library
• Microsoft Visual Studio versions 6.0, 6.0 sp1, sp2, sp3
• Microsoft Visual Basic Learning, Professional, and Enterprise Editions for Windows, version 6.0
• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, version 6.0
• Microsoft Visual Studio, Professional Edition 6.0
• Microsoft Visual Studio, Enterprise Edition 6.0
• Microsoft Visual J++, version 6.0
• Microsoft Visual SourceSafe, 32-bit, for Windows 6.0
• Microsoft Visual InterDev, version 6.0
• Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, version 6.0

SYMPTOMS

When you try to access MSDN Library Help from within Visual Studio programs using F1 or the Help menu, the following error message appears:

unable to display help

CAUSE

Vshelp.dll is not registered or is not correctly registered with the operating system.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, run Regsvr32 to register Vshelp.dll:

1. Search for Vshelp.dll.



2. Select Start and then click Run. Type Regsvr32.



3. Click and hold on the file Vshelp.dll found in the search and drag it into the Run box immediately following Regsvr32. Click OK.



4. The system should return a "registered successfully" message. Click OK.



5. Close both windows.



6. Open a Visual Studio program and test Help.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

This condition may occur after uninstalling the MSDN Library and reinstalling it to a new location

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

REFERENCES

Q216109 HOWTO: Troubleshooting MSDN Library Run-Time/Install/Uninstall

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbMSDN kbSSafe600 kbVBp600 kbVC600 kbVFp600 kbVisID600 kbVJ600 kbVS600
Version : WINDOWS:6.0,6.0 sp1, sp2, sp3; winnt:6.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type : kbprb