HLP to RTF Converter for Windows

HLP to RTF Converter by Armenian Dictionary Software is an interesting utility that can convert any Windows Help file (HLP) to a printable, high-quality RTF document or generate completely recompilable Help projects. You can use it to print out manuals for employees or for safekeeping, as well as create your own WinHelp project, rescue previously complied files for conversion or re-use, or simplify the generation and handling of HLP-formatted documentation from a standard authoring format.

This program's tabbed, dialog-based interface is practically self explanatory, reflecting its focused mission. Tabs let you select Batch or Single mode; there's the expected Help file and a few extras, such as Command Prompt access. A good range of clickable language options surprisingly doesn't include Armenian. The program is ultrasimple to use; browse to add files and an output path, click "Convert," and open and use your new files. It supports batch conversion of HLP files, a feature we highly approve of since it can save a lot of time in situations where a single manual comes in several files, such as different language versions. We feel this basic tool really shines in its flexibility; in addition to standard operations, you can activate it from the Command Line Prompt or the ShellEx API in compatible applications.

HLP to RTF Converter's free trial version has a 25 percent conversion limit. It installs desktop icons without asking and leaves folders behind when it's uninstalled. It works in all versions of Windows up to Vista; we tested it in Windows 7 but encountered some bugginess.