MS Office "help isn't working ...'

Help (F1) in MS Office programs results in a message that "help isn't working ..." (see attached). This has been happening for quite a while. I'm using MS Office 365, Version 15.0.4641.1003; Win8.1.

RobinCB

Hi there. Try using the repair option.

WinKey/X > Choose "Programs and Features" > Press "Microsoft Office" > Press "Change" in the options > A popup (below) will appear > Choose a repair method > Hit "Repair".

Thanks, HippsieGypsie, but it didn't fix it.

These threads says to reset internet explorer. You could try that.

I did start Internet Explorer and went to Tools, Internet Options, Advanced and clicked Reset. I kept Firefox as my default Browser. Help now WORKS

Click to expand...

MS Word (Office 2013) "Help Isn't Working" - Microsoft Community
Help isn't working in Office 365! - Microsoft Community

Hmm. I have same edition except 32 bit.

Try opening an Office program > Select "File" tab > Select "Account" > Push "Update Options" > Select "Update Now" to see if it's fully updated.

Try running scannow at least three times: www.eightforums.com/showthread.php?t=3047

Although it may be a PITA, you may have to uninstall > Reboot > Then reinstall Office.

Great find, Adam!

It may be that your help files are corrupt or missing as per Adam's links.

HippsieGypsie said:

Great find, Adam!

It may be that your help files are corrupt or missing as per Adam's links.

Click to expand...

I can't test it though as mine works

Is your software activated for the system you're using it on? Are you logged in?

Yes, sygnus21, software is activated for this computer and I am logged in.

Adamf and/or HyppsieGypsie I am running "sfc /scannow" for second time. When done with third, should I reply with attached results log?

RobinCB

I don't think that's necessary unless it can't fix something. In that case it may be that the store image is corrupt, so it can't fix files. In that case run DISM to fix that, then run SFC again.

DISM to Fix Component Store Corruption:
DISM - Fixing Component Store Corruption in Windows 8

I ran the three scans (errors reported on each), DISM, re-started, ran another scan (no errors or problems) BUT help is still not working. From what I've seen on various sites, I'm not the only user with this problem and it isn't new. I'm reluctant to take some of the steps that I've seen elsewhere because help was still not working after users took those steps (at least the ones who reported back).

Well, the scans weren't a total loss then if it fixed something.

You performed the update suggestion? The IE reset suggestion?

Do you have Office install media or did you download?

I did IE resets, set it as default browser and ran Office repair (not in this order).
Office 365 download.

It just dawned on me that you have 365. I has full license copy, but they look to be similar.

Go to your programs folder in File Explorer and open the Office folder. Do a search on the word help. Take some snips of what you find and I'll compare. Check the box "Show system files" in folder options in Control Panel before you do.