Cryptic Message that "Windows can't open Help and Support...

[petard]

Start button --> Run --> type this:

%SystemRoot%\system32\services.msc /s

Hit return.

Look for "Help and Support"

Start it.

[wumply]

Petard:

Didn't work. Did exactly as you directed. When I clicked on Help & Support in the "Services - Local" window, it said "Service Status: Started" and I noticed that the startup type was 'automatic'. So I went Start --> Help and support. The entry "? Help and support" I now clicked on appeared as a tiny window reading "? Help and support". This vanished in 1/2 second or less and that was that. I tried accessing Help and Support again--nothing. I checked everything re your instructions but that also changed nothing.

Do I have other options?

wumply

[petard]

Are you running any firewall software? Is the Remote Procedure Call Service running (and enabled "Automtic")?

Do you really need the "Help and Support" service? I personally disabled mine on my PC. Like I really want help from Micro$oft....

[wumply]

RPC is started and status is auto.

RPC (locator) wasn't started. I started it and made it automatic.
Same problem as before.

In spite of not being able to access Help and Support (and yes, I like to be able to do that on occasion), I have no trouble accessing any site on the net or using any program. Save for this current problem, my computer is working 100% in all respects, except for an occasional minor quirk. Yes, I am using a firewall, the one built in in XP but it was in use before the Help and Support problem occurred.