MSINFO32 starts Help and Support

[jopa66]

Perhaps a minor annoyance but I cannot start MsInfo. No matter if I use Run
box, shortcut or double click msinfo32.exe in \Program Files\Common
Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo. Each time "Windows Help and Support Center"
opens instead of MsInfo. However, if I double click a *.nfo file, I get an
error message that msinfo cannot open it etc. etc. When I click OK, MsInfo
will now open but it is now framed within the Help and Support Window. Not a
big problem but, the utility is handy at times and I would just like to fix
it.
--
~john aka: jopa

[Joidon Codrington]

On Mon, 6 Feb 2006 14:59:27 -0500, "jopa66"
> wrote:

>Perhaps a minor annoyance but I cannot start MsInfo. No matter if I use Run
>box, shortcut or double click msinfo32.exe in \Program Files\Common
>Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo. Each time "Windows Help and Support Center"
>opens instead of MsInfo. However, if I double click a *.nfo file, I get an
>error message that msinfo cannot open it etc. etc. When I click OK, MsInfo
>will now open but it is now framed within the Help and Support Window. Not a
>big problem but, the utility is handy at times and I would just like to fix
>it.

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/msinfo.mspx

[jopa66]

Thanx for the link. Although it doesn't solve my problem, I find that if I
use a switch when trying to run msinfo32 I can at least get it to open in
the "Help and Support" window. It still will not open in its own window, but
Hey! It's an acceptable workaround.

--
~john aka: jopa

"Joidon Codrington" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 6 Feb 2006 14:59:27 -0500, "jopa66"
> > wrote:
>
>>Perhaps a minor annoyance but I cannot start MsInfo. No matter if I use
>>Run
>>box, shortcut or double click msinfo32.exe in \Program Files\Common
>>Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo. Each time "Windows Help and Support Center"
>>opens instead of MsInfo. However, if I double click a *.nfo file, I get an
>>error message that msinfo cannot open it etc. etc. When I click OK, MsInfo
>>will now open but it is now framed within the Help and Support Window. Not
>>a
>>big problem but, the utility is handy at times and I would just like to
>>fix
>>it.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/msinfo.mspx

[Wesley Vogel]

The index.dat file may be missing from >>
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
or
%windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache if Windows is not on C:\

First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
Check:
� Display the contents of system folders
� Show hidden files and folders
UNCheck:
� Hide protected operating system files
Apply | OK

[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]

Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...

%windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

Click OK.

Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there?

If not, save the attached zip file and unzip it to ...

%windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache

The zip file contains the appropriate index.dat file.

Move index.zip to
%windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
that way the next time you delete the index.dat you
can unzip index.zip again.

If you do not trust this, get the index.dat from a friends machine.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In ,
jopa66 > hunted and pecked:
> Thanx for the link. Although it doesn't solve my problem, I find that if I
> use a switch when trying to run msinfo32 I can at least get it to open in
> the "Help and Support" window. It still will not open in its own window,
> but Hey! It's an acceptable workaround.
>
> --
> ~john aka: jopa
>
> "Joidon Codrington" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Mon, 6 Feb 2006 14:59:27 -0500, "jopa66"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> Perhaps a minor annoyance but I cannot start MsInfo. No matter if I use
>>> Run
>>> box, shortcut or double click msinfo32.exe in \Program Files\Common
>>> Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo. Each time "Windows Help and Support
>>> Center" opens instead of MsInfo. However, if I double click a *.nfo
>>> file, I get an error message that msinfo cannot open it etc. etc. When
>>> I click OK, MsInfo will now open but it is now framed within the Help
>>> and Support Window. Not a
>>> big problem but, the utility is handy at times and I would just like to
>>> fix
>>> it.
>>
>>
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/msinfo.mspx

[jopa66]

Thanx Wes, that fixed it. The only thing I can think of is, I have recently
downloaded and used CCleaner which purports to clean the index.dat file in
TIFF. (now I'm wondering which other index.dat files are missing.) Have to
check this out before I start recommending CCleaner. Thanx again. I wouldn't
have thought of this.
--
~john aka: jopa

"Wesley Vogel" > wrote in message
...
> The index.dat file may be missing from >>
> C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
> or
> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache if Windows is not on C:\
>
> First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.
>
> Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
> Check:
> � Display the contents of system folders
> � Show hidden files and folders
> UNCheck:
> � Hide protected operating system files
> Apply | OK
>
> [[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
> typical items.]]
>
> Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...
>
> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
>
> Click OK.
>
> Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there?
>
> If not, save the attached zip file and unzip it to ...
>
> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
>
> The zip file contains the appropriate index.dat file.
>
> Move index.zip to
> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
> that way the next time you delete the index.dat you
> can unzip index.zip again.
>
> If you do not trust this, get the index.dat from a friends machine.
>
> --
> Hope this helps. Let us know.
>
> Wes
> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
>
> In ,
> jopa66 > hunted and pecked:
>> Thanx for the link. Although it doesn't solve my problem, I find that if
>> I
>> use a switch when trying to run msinfo32 I can at least get it to open in
>> the "Help and Support" window. It still will not open in its own window,
>> but Hey! It's an acceptable workaround.
>>
>> --
>> ~john aka: jopa
>>
>> "Joidon Codrington" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Mon, 6 Feb 2006 14:59:27 -0500, "jopa66"
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> Perhaps a minor annoyance but I cannot start MsInfo. No matter if I use
>>>> Run
>>>> box, shortcut or double click msinfo32.exe in \Program Files\Common
>>>> Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo. Each time "Windows Help and Support
>>>> Center" opens instead of MsInfo. However, if I double click a *.nfo
>>>> file, I get an error message that msinfo cannot open it etc. etc. When
>>>> I click OK, MsInfo will now open but it is now framed within the Help
>>>> and Support Window. Not a
>>>> big problem but, the utility is handy at times and I would just like to
>>>> fix
>>>> it.
>>>
>>>
> http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/msinfo.mspx
>

[Wesley Vogel]

As far as I know, this is the only index.dat file that doesn't automatically
get recreated after being deleted. Also the only one that causes any
problems when it's missing.

I have never used CCleaner, but with other cleaner programs there is usually
a way to not delete this index.dat.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In ,
jopa66 > hunted and pecked:
> Thanx Wes, that fixed it. The only thing I can think of is, I have
> recently downloaded and used CCleaner which purports to clean the
> index.dat file in TIFF. (now I'm wondering which other index.dat files
> are missing.) Have to check this out before I start recommending
> CCleaner. Thanx again. I wouldn't have thought of this.
> --
> ~john aka: jopa
>
> "Wesley Vogel" > wrote in message
> ...
>> The index.dat file may be missing from >>
>> C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
>> or
>> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache if Windows is not on C:\
>>
>> First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.
>>
>> Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
>> Check:
>> � Display the contents of system folders
>> � Show hidden files and folders
>> UNCheck:
>> � Hide protected operating system files
>> Apply | OK
>>
>> [[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
>> typical items.]]
>>
>> Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...
>>
>> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
>>
>> Click OK.
>>
>> Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there?
>>
>> If not, save the attached zip file and unzip it to ...
>>
>> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
>>
>> The zip file contains the appropriate index.dat file.
>>
>> Move index.zip to
>> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
>> that way the next time you delete the index.dat you
>> can unzip index.zip again.
>>
>> If you do not trust this, get the index.dat from a friends machine.
>>
>> --
>> Hope this helps. Let us know.
>>
>> Wes
>> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
>>
>> In ,
>> jopa66 > hunted and pecked:
>>> Thanx for the link. Although it doesn't solve my problem, I find that if
>>> I
>>> use a switch when trying to run msinfo32 I can at least get it to open
>>> in the "Help and Support" window. It still will not open in its own
>>> window, but Hey! It's an acceptable workaround.
>>>
>>> --
>>> ~john aka: jopa
>>>
>>> "Joidon Codrington" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On Mon, 6 Feb 2006 14:59:27 -0500, "jopa66"
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Perhaps a minor annoyance but I cannot start MsInfo. No matter if I
>>>>> use Run
>>>>> box, shortcut or double click msinfo32.exe in \Program Files\Common
>>>>> Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo. Each time "Windows Help and Support
>>>>> Center" opens instead of MsInfo. However, if I double click a *.nfo
>>>>> file, I get an error message that msinfo cannot open it etc. etc. When
>>>>> I click OK, MsInfo will now open but it is now framed within the Help
>>>>> and Support Window. Not a
>>>>> big problem but, the utility is handy at times and I would just like
>>>>> to fix
>>>>> it.
>>>>
>>>>
>>
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/msinfo.mspx

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Adding to Wesley's excellent tip:

Rebuilding the help center re-creates the index.dat.
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rebuildhelp.htm

FYI, jopa.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


"Wesley Vogel" > wrote in message
...
As far as I know, this is the only index.dat file that doesn't automatically
get recreated after being deleted. Also the only one that causes any
problems when it's missing.

I have never used CCleaner, but with other cleaner programs there is usually
a way to not delete this index.dat.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

[jopa66]

Thanx Ramesh, good info to have on hand.

--
~john aka: jopa

"Ramesh, MS-MVP" > wrote in message
...
> Adding to Wesley's excellent tip:
>
> Rebuilding the help center re-creates the index.dat.
> http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rebuildhelp.htm
>
> FYI, jopa.
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
> Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com
>
>
> "Wesley Vogel" > wrote in message
> ...
> As far as I know, this is the only index.dat file that doesn't
> automatically
> get recreated after being deleted. Also the only one that causes any
> problems when it's missing.
>
> I have never used CCleaner, but with other cleaner programs there is
> usually
> a way to not delete this index.dat.
>
> --
> Hope this helps. Let us know.
>
> Wes
> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
>
>
>

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Glad to assist, jopa.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


"jopa66" > wrote in message
...
Thanx Ramesh, good info to have on hand.

--
~john aka: jopa

"Ramesh, MS-MVP" > wrote in message
...
> Adding to Wesley's excellent tip:
>
> Rebuilding the help center re-creates the index.dat.
> http://windowsxp.mvps.org/rebuildhelp.htm
>
> FYI, jopa.
>
> --
> Regards,

[jorene]

Hi, I am having the same problem with msinfo. I replied to another post of
same reference but that thread is over one year and don't know that it would
be noticed. Anyway, I'm in a pickle. I need to get the index.dat file back.
If you could be so kind and forward me the zip file, I would be ever so
greatful.

Thanks much
jc


"Wesley Vogel" wrote:

> As far as I know, this is the only index.dat file that doesn't automatically
> get recreated after being deleted. Also the only one that causes any
> problems when it's missing.
>
> I have never used CCleaner, but with other cleaner programs there is usually
> a way to not delete this index.dat.
>
> --
> Hope this helps. Let us know.
>
> Wes
> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
>
> In ,
> jopa66 > hunted and pecked:
> > Thanx Wes, that fixed it. The only thing I can think of is, I have
> > recently downloaded and used CCleaner which purports to clean the
> > index.dat file in TIFF. (now I'm wondering which other index.dat files
> > are missing.) Have to check this out before I start recommending
> > CCleaner. Thanx again. I wouldn't have thought of this.
> > --
> > ~john aka: jopa
> >
> > "Wesley Vogel" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> The index.dat file may be missing from >>
> >> C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
> >> or
> >> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache if Windows is not on C:\
> >>
> >> First. Set Hidden files and folders to display.
> >>
> >> Start | Settings | Control Panel | Folder Options | View tab
> >> Check:
> >> � Display the contents of system folders
> >> � Show hidden files and folders
> >> UNCheck:
> >> � Hide protected operating system files
> >> Apply | OK
> >>
> >> [[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
> >> typical items.]]
> >>
> >> Second. Paste this in the Start | Run box...
> >>
> >> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
> >>
> >> Click OK.
> >>
> >> Look for a file called index.dat. Is one there?
> >>
> >> If not, save the attached zip file and unzip it to ...
> >>
> >> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
> >>
> >> The zip file contains the appropriate index.dat file.
> >>
> >> Move index.zip to
> >> %windir%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\OfflineCache
> >> that way the next time you delete the index.dat you
> >> can unzip index.zip again.
> >>
> >> If you do not trust this, get the index.dat from a friends machine.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Hope this helps. Let us know.
> >>
> >> Wes
> >> MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
> >>
> >> In ,
> >> jopa66 > hunted and pecked:
> >>> Thanx for the link. Although it doesn't solve my problem, I find that if
> >>> I
> >>> use a switch when trying to run msinfo32 I can at least get it to open
> >>> in the "Help and Support" window. It still will not open in its own
> >>> window, but Hey! It's an acceptable workaround.
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> ~john aka: jopa
> >>>
> >>> "Joidon Codrington" > wrote in message
> >>> ...
> >>>> On Mon, 6 Feb 2006 14:59:27 -0500, "jopa66"
> >>>> > wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>> Perhaps a minor annoyance but I cannot start MsInfo. No matter if I
> >>>>> use Run
> >>>>> box, shortcut or double click msinfo32.exe in \Program Files\Common
> >>>>> Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo. Each time "Windows Help and Support
> >>>>> Center" opens instead of MsInfo. However, if I double click a *.nfo
> >>>>> file, I get an error message that msinfo cannot open it etc. etc. When
> >>>>> I click OK, MsInfo will now open but it is now framed within the Help
> >>>>> and Support Window. Not a
> >>>>> big problem but, the utility is handy at times and I would just like
> >>>>> to fix
> >>>>> it.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>
> http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/msinfo.mspx
>
>

[Ian_H]

--
Newish to computer stuff


"jopa66" wrote:

> Perhaps a minor annoyance but I cannot start MsInfo. No matter if I use Run
> box, shortcut or double click msinfo32.exe in \Program Files\Common
> Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo. Each time "Windows Help and Support Center"
> opens instead of MsInfo. However, if I double click a *.nfo file, I get an
> error message that msinfo cannot open it etc. etc. When I click OK, MsInfo
> will now open but it is now framed within the Help and Support Window. Not a
> big problem but, the utility is handy at times and I would just like to fix
> it.
> --
> ~john aka: jopa
>
>
> Mr Wesley Vogel certainly knows his stuff.
Have just restored Help and Support using this excellent advice
How does anyone get to know so much; it seems a world away to me, but I am
most grateful for his expertise. Thanks - Ian