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How do you rebuild help files in XP home

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Codecutter, 2003/08/04.

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  1. 2003/08/04
    Codecutter

    Codecutter Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have XP home edition on a laptop - just got the system. The HELP files activated from START|HELP and Support seem to have gone AWOL. That is, when I click the HELP icon, the hourglass appears, runs out of sand and then nothing happens but a small flicker (i.e. refresh) of the screen. Being new to XP, this is particularly frustrating. Can I just re-install the help feature and if yes, how do I do it.

    2nd question. On attempting to configure for incoming calls, I receive the diagnostic, "An internal error has occurred. The local user database handle is corrupt ". How do I rebuild that database?

    The manufacturer of the laptop told me to re-install the OS, but surely these faults are not that drastic. Many thanks in anticipation for your assistance.
     
    Last edited: 2003/08/04
    Codecutter,
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  2. 2003/08/04
    RayH

    RayH Inactive

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  4. 2003/08/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    First a possible solution if Help and Support has worked for you - System Restore and choose a restore point prior to the problem.

    Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tols > System Restore

    If there is not an appropriate Restore point try this

    Go to Start/Run and type in: helpctr -regserver

    If that doesn't do the trick -

    To reinstall the Help and Support files go first to Windows Explorer > Tools > Folder Options > View and uncheck 'Hide extensions for known file types and check 'Show hidden files and folders'. Then go into the Windows directory, scroll down to 'inf' , open the folder and locate pchealth.inf

    Right click on it and choose 'Install' - have your installation CD handy (hope it's not a recovery CD)

    The approach to your second problem - and may be the first too, depends on whether you have an XP installation CD or a Recovery CD. Trouble with Recovery CD's - which are supplied with most PC's these days, is that they generally format the drive and restore the computer to the state it was in when delivered. This of course means that any programs you have installed will be wiped out along with any data you have accumulated. There are exceptions, so read the small print very carefully.

    If you have an installation CD try a Repair of XP -

    Boot from the CD and at the Setup Screen press ENTER - ignore the Repair option on this screen.

    Agree to the licence on the next screen by hitting F8

    Select the Repair option on the nextscreen.

    If you only have a Recovery CD you may need to use that, noting the points above.

    IMO if the PC did not work properly on delivery it should go back.
     
    PeteC,
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  5. 2003/08/04
    Miz

    Miz Inactive Alumni

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    Miz,
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  6. 2003/08/04
    RayH

    RayH Inactive

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    I think the reg edit will fix codecutter's problems. He's not getting an error message. The machine just has a bit of Alzheimer's.
     
    RayH,
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  7. 2003/08/04
    Codecutter

    Codecutter Inactive Thread Starter

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    Problem solved Windows BBS - Thanks for help

    My thanks to RayH, Pete C and Miz for their help, particularly Pete C. I'd try restore before calling in. No joy. Then no joy on helpctr -regserver, but using a re-install from pchealth.inf did the trick.

    Decided not to execute the VBS because of the added problem I had with networking. Re-install fixed both and seems to not otherwise affected OS.

    I've used Toni arts reg cleaner on win 2k, but never on this Win XP. This must have been caused by another. Used JV16 power tools, though. I wonder. I'll keep an eye for this returning. A good outcome. Thanks guys. By the way, the laptop is a Dell 1100.
     
    Codecutter,
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  8. 2003/08/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Glad to assist - thanks for posting back.
     
    PeteC,
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