HELP File Extension

What is HELP file?

HELP is a file extension commonly associated with Mac OS X Help Book files. Apple defined the Mac OS X Help Book format standard. HELP files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS. Files with HELP extension are categorized as System Files files. The System Files subset comprises 323 various file formats. Users are advised to use Apple Help Viewer software for managing HELP files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file.

Programs which support HELP file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open HELP files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with HELP suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with HELP extension?

Being unable to open files with HELP extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with HELP files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with HELP files.

Step 1. Download and install Apple Help Viewer

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening HELP files is that no program that can handle HELP files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Apple Help Viewer or different compatible program, such as Unix. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Apple Help Viewer website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update Apple Help Viewer to the latest version

You still cannot access HELP files although Apple Help Viewer is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Apple Help Viewer cannot handle files with HELP may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Apple Help Viewer is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Mac OS X Help Book files with Apple Help Viewer

After installing Apple Help Viewer (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open HELP files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the HELP with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Apple Help Viewer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open HELP files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with HELP extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with HELP extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the HELP for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the HELP file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The HELP may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the HELP file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. HELP file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the HELP file’s structure is intact

If the HELP file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with HELP extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Apple Help Viewer

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with HELP extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Mac OS X Help Book files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with HELP files affecting older versions of given software.

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