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158

answers:

1

Running VS2008 Pro on Windows 7, all SP and hotfixes installed.

When I click F1 on a (valid) keyword in VS2008, I only receive the "Information Not Found" page. I know I didn't install the full msdn as I just wanted to use online help. I can't recall if I clicked or unclicked anything during the install process (installed a couple of months ago so I don't fully remember) that related to help but I did try to pare down the install size by unclicking things I know I wouldn't ever use.

devenv.exe and dexplore.exe are both set to run as admin. Tools-Options-Help-Online is set to use online first, then local. All options are checked. Equally odd, the Codezone provider download button gives me a dialog indicating it couldn't download resources.

My router is Smoothwall with the transparent proxy enabled.. meaning, I don't have to enter anything in a web browser for a proxy - I just surf.

A: 

Select "Tools > Options > Help > Online".

Additionally there are a couple of list boxes one labelled "Search these providers:" Make sure "MSDN Online" is there and checked.

If it's not there you'll need to reinstall the MSDN.

ChrisF
Does that mean that MSDN (installed locally) is required in order to access online help?
John
@John - I don't think you have to install the content locally, just the hooks. It's been a while since I installed VS2008 so I can't remember the options, but there should be an "online only" option.
ChrisF