I have looked endlessy on the internet to find a solution to this problem but so far no luck. I have Windows XP and every time I go to the help and support center it says "Windows cannot find helpctr.exe". Does anyone know where I can get the files for it?

try this site:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

there is a person posting a similar issue and in the resolution section gives the download to fix your problem


hope it helps

Thanks dark_cloud, I did that but it now said "Window cannot open Help and Support because a system service is not running. To fix this problem, start the service named Help and Support."
I don't have a clue what that means though.

Right-click My Computer and select "Manage".

Click the {+} to expand the Services and Applications branch. Click on Services, find Help and Support and double click it

In the Startup type pulldown, set it to Automatic. While you are in there you can "Start" the service so that you won't have to reboot.

I can't find Help and Support bit. :O

Edited at 14:08 Sat 16/06/07 (BST)

A picture says a thousand words... Well, a few anyway

Well I have looked and it's not there...Could I just download the files or something.

Did you run the registration file from the page dark_cloud posted?

After running that you should see the service.

If that still doesnt work you can activate it manually.

Remember to substitue c: with whatever the root drive may be on your own machine.

Microsofts solution :

RESOLUTION
To resolve the issue, perform the following:

Go to Windows registry.
Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/App Paths

Double-click HELPCTR.EXE.
Right-Click (Default) in the right window pane, and click Modify.

Type the following:

C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe

Click OK.
Exit the Registry Editor, and restart Windows XP.

Hmmm...Sorry spinner but I must be a pain in the backside...I did that but when I went to type in "C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe" in the modify bit it was already there :S

Oh and I did what dark_cloud suggested too.

Edited at 15:26 Thu 21/06/07 (BST)

try doing spinners suggestion and then because he has enabled the system service the download may work.

so re-download it....

Argh. Still no luck lol .
Erm...hmmm...It still says "Window cannot open Help and Support because a system service is not running. To fix this problem, start the service named Help and Support."
But when I go into computer management Help and Support is not there so I can't start the service.

it will be on your windows xp installion disk if you do not have the disk send me a pm and ill make some arrangment of sending you the required file.