Helpctr.exe Problem

alyy8128 · 29th Aug 2009, 02:54 PM

Hi all,

There is some problem on my sis's laptop. Once the computer been start-up, there will be non-stop pop-up of Windows' Help.

No matter which software I open, it will pop-up the software's help.

Looks like somebody keep pressing the F1 key for me. Don't tell me it is seventh month of Lunar Calender.

I did search around Google, but can't find some good solution. Initially the problem are giving "Helpctr.exe" error, with code 0xc0000142. Then, I found a temporary solution, i.e. disable the Windows Help Center from "services.msc". However, the computer is found OK fro few times of normal start-up. The problem are coming back again.

Please help to solve if anyone having this type of problem, thank.

DarKSeeD · 29th Aug 2009, 07:57 PM

Which Windows version? Anyway type msconfig in Start -> Run and look in Startup tab then uncheck the box with HelpCtr.exe if there is any. Otherwise we shall try something else.

DarKSeeD · 29th Aug 2009, 08:12 PM

It could also be a virus/trojan/spyware in your computer so you might wanna do a scan.

Adrian Wong · 30th Aug 2009, 01:16 AM

I experienced something similar. Everything I did something, something kept cancelling the action.

It turned out that I pushed the external keyboard so much that I wedged the Esc key under the notebook's edge (it was elevated). So, the keyboard was sending Esc commands non-stop.

It could be a keyboard problem like mine although I doubt you would not notice if the F1 key was accidentally depressed by something. It could be a problem within the keyboard itself - maybe dust or something else. If you have a spare keyboard, you can try swapping them to see if that solves the problem.

Chai · 30th Aug 2009, 12:58 PM

Sounds stupid but possible!

I heard of stories of boobs pressing on the space bar unknowingly...

alyy8128 · 30th Aug 2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

I experienced something similar. Everything I did something, something kept cancelling the action.

It turned out that I pushed the external keyboard so much that I wedged the Esc key under the notebook's edge (it was elevated). So, the keyboard was sending Esc commands non-stop.

It could be a keyboard problem like mine although I doubt you would not notice if the F1 key was accidentally depressed by something. It could be a problem within the keyboard itself - maybe dust or something else. If you have a spare keyboard, you can try swapping them to see if that solves the problem.

It is too bad that it is a laptop, is there any possible to disable the keyboard of a laptop? So i can attach i external keyboard.

It looks like the key is keep been pressed. Even it is in DOS mode. I had went to "cmd", then, it just automatic repeat what i type before. Feeling So creepy.

The laptop running WinXP SP2. Around 3 years old. Twinhead Durabook R15D.

Adrian Wong · 31st Aug 2009, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alyy8128

It is too bad that it is a laptop, is there any possible to disable the keyboard of a laptop? So i can attach i external keyboard.

It looks like the key is keep been pressed. Even it is in DOS mode. I had went to "cmd", then, it just automatic repeat what i type before. Feeling So creepy.

The laptop running WinXP SP2. Around 3 years old. Twinhead Durabook R15D.

Well, that's simple enough. Go to Device Manager and disable it!

BTW, maybe you should try removing the keyboard and check the cable connector. Reseating the cable connector could solve the problem.

alyy8128 · 31st Aug 2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

Well, that's simple enough. Go to Device Manager and disable it!

BTW, maybe you should try removing the keyboard and check the cable connector. Reseating the cable connector could solve the problem.

It is a laptop. Quite difficult to open up its casing. My brother-in-law open its cover once, but he said it is very difficult, you need to even taken out its LCD screen first.

Finally, he decided to take out the F1 button, and use a knife to cut its connector under it. Until now, it looks fine... Just we can't use the F1 button anymore.

zy · 31st Aug 2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alyy8128

It is a laptop. Quite difficult to open up its casing. My brother-in-law open its cover once, but he said it is very difficult, you need to even taken out its LCD screen first.

Finally, he decided to take out the F1 button, and use a knife to cut its connector under it. Until now, it looks fine... Just we can't use the F1 button anymore.

lol. quick fix. hope you do not need to use the f1 key anymore

durabook, looks like the f1 key isnt "durable"

alyy8128 · 31st Aug 2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zy

lol. quick fix. hope you do not need to use the f1 key anymore

durabook, looks like the f1 key isnt "durable"

Ya. Quite "Durable" enough to survive for 3++years. With changed motherboard once, and the power adapter caught Fire once(but after reconnect by shouldering back). Now it lost its "F1" key, but overall, it still can be use.

Maybe this thread should be moved to "Hardware" section instead of "Software" problem.

29th Aug 2009, 02:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
alyy8128 Getting there Join Date: 22 Jan 2006 Location: Senai Johor Posts: 154 Reputation: 116 Rep Power: 5	Helpctr.exe Problem Hi all, There is some problem on my sis's laptop. Once the computer been start-up, there will be non-stop pop-up of Windows' Help. No matter which software I open, it will pop-up the software's help. Looks like somebody keep pressing the F1 key for me. Don't tell me it is seventh month of Lunar Calender. I did search around Google, but can't find some good solution. Initially the problem are giving "Helpctr.exe" error, with code 0xc0000142. Then, I found a temporary solution, i.e. disable the Windows Help Center from "services.msc". However, the computer is found OK fro few times of normal start-up. The problem are coming back again. Please help to solve if anyone having this type of problem, thank. __________________ 愿：世界和平

29th Aug 2009, 07:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
DarKSeeD BOG Translator Join Date: 30 Oct 2004 Location: Sighisoara, Romania Posts: 336 Reputation: 101 Rep Power: 7	Which Windows version? Anyway type msconfig in Start -> Run and look in Startup tab then uncheck the box with HelpCtr.exe if there is any. Otherwise we shall try something else. __________________ Gizas! what a mess Last edited by DarKSeeD : 29th Aug 2009 at 08:11 PM.

29th Aug 2009, 08:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
DarKSeeD BOG Translator Join Date: 30 Oct 2004 Location: Sighisoara, Romania Posts: 336 Reputation: 101 Rep Power: 7	It could also be a virus/trojan/spyware in your computer so you might wanna do a scan. __________________ Gizas! what a mess

30th Aug 2009, 01:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
Adrian Wong Da Boss Join Date: 10 Oct 2002 Location: In front of my ASUS F8V notebook! Posts: 32,299 Reputation: 3574 Rep Power: 75	I experienced something similar. Everything I did something, something kept cancelling the action. It turned out that I pushed the external keyboard so much that I wedged the Esc key under the notebook's edge (it was elevated). So, the keyboard was sending Esc commands non-stop. It could be a keyboard problem like mine although I doubt you would not notice if the F1 key was accidentally depressed by something. It could be a problem within the keyboard itself - maybe dust or something else. If you have a spare keyboard, you can try swapping them to see if that solves the problem. __________________ Dr. Adrian Wong Tech ARP \| Blog @ Tech ARP \| The Free Trade Zone DYKT : The only offshore account I have is at the sand bank? We need PROGRAMMERS and TECHNICAL WRITERS! Contact us if you are a hot shot programmer or technical writer! My items for sale : 50x SD Card \| Memory Stick PRO \| Cyclone Energy Saver \| Seiko SS watch \| Tiger/Carlsberg beer jugs \| Travel Speakers \| Motorola V600 \| Nokia N90 SOLD! \| New Lowepro Mini Trekker AW Other items for sale @ the FTZ : Zalman CNPS9500 LED @ $20 \| Zalman CNPS7700 Cu @ $20 \| Zalman CNPS7000 Cu @ $20 \| Swarovski bracelet watches \| Dell 17" LCD \| Hi-Fi speakers \| English DIVX movies \| HP LaserJet toners! \| Office chairs

30th Aug 2009, 12:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
Chai Administrator Join Date: 6 Oct 2002 Location: Maranello Posts: 27,884 Reputation: 4630 Rep Power: 81	Sounds stupid but possible! I heard of stories of boobs pressing on the space bar unknowingly... __________________ Chai (Contributor & Forum Admin) http://www.techarp.com/

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