Windows Backwards Compatibility Support

Windows backwards compatibility support, including the latest-and-greatest versions for Windows 9x of third-party dependencies and related software for the Robotics Invention System (more recent than the versions included on the RIS CD):

Explicit Dependencies

• Microsoft DirectX 8.1
  • Security Patch KB819696 for DirectX 8
• Apple QuickTime 6.5.2

 

Optional Software

• 7-Zip 9.20
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0.2
• PDF Creator 1.2.3
• JDK 1.5.0.22
• WinMerge 2.12.4
• Microsoft DirectX 9 December 2006

 

Help System for *.hlp Files on Newer Windows Versions

Windows Vista and newer do not support *.hlp files

• Up through Windows 8.1, this support could be re-enabled by installing KB917607 from the Microsoft Download Center
  • KB917607 for Windows 8.1 32-bit
  • KB917607 for Windows 8.1 64-bit
• For newer versions of Windows, you will need to download one of the files above, but instead of installing after downloading, you will need to follow the steps at the link below.
  • How to Open *.hlp Files in Windows

 
The following are alternative options for opening *.hlp files, though these methods will not support help support built into older applications or {F1} help.

• Convert *.hlp files to a newer format
  • HelpNDoc
  • HelpMaker
• Browser plugin
  • Chrome-base browsers
    • CHM & HLP Viewer and Extractor