Windows Tips - Windows HTML Help

Links do not work

Links appear as small squares or links with squares next to them. When clicked the message error "Object does not support this property or method" is returned

Synopsis:

When using the HTML Help (standard windows help application), links do not display or function properly. A registry key needs to be updated.

The Problem:

After installing an IE patch, often as part of another update or install, links in some help files appear as squares or squares next to links. Any links that display with squares next to them do not work only return the error: "Object does not support this property or method". The patch actually locks down "HHCRTL.OCX" which controls the java-based links. For more information on this patch read: MS03-015: April, 2003, Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer.

Solution:

In order to restore functionality to the help pages affected, you need to modify a registry key. Please use standard precautions when editing the Windows Registry. To make the change:

"Start" | "Run" | "regedit.exe". This will start the "Registry Editor"
Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ActiveX Compatibility\ADB880A6-D8FF-11CF-9377-00AA003B7A11
Select this key and look at the DWORD value "Compatibility Flags" in the right pane. Set this value to decimal 0 and exit.

Operating System and Browser

FYI: I am using Windows 2000 for my OS and Internet Explorer 6.0 for my browser.