What is HelpSvc.exe - Microsoft Help Center Service?

That is HelpSvc.exe? There many answers on the Internet. For example:

• helpsvc.exe help service for Windows 2000 and later. This process initiates a pop-up screen whenever you press the help button.
• The helpsvc.exe program is used in conjunction with the 'AutoUpdates' feature of windows. If you are in the process of updating your computer this process should be running.

These answers are not so complete. Here is the more complete story about HelpSvc.exe. HelpSvc.exe is the executable binary file of "Microsoft Help Center Service" program, which is part of the "Help and Support Center" application on your Windows system.

If you are using Windows XP, you can click the Start button and click the "Help and Support" on the start menu. The "Help and Support Center" window shows up. Now if you check the process list with Windows Task Manager, you will see 3 processes are started:

helpctr.exe    19,972K
HelpHost.exe    6,052K
HelpSvc.exe    10,396K

If check the file information of HelpSvc.exe, you should see:

Directory: C:\windows\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries
File name: HelpSvc.exe
Description: Microsoft Help Center Service
Size: 704,512 bytes
Date: Monday, April 19, 2004, 1:28:12 PM
Version: 5.1.2600.1106
Company name: Microsoft  
System essential: No
Virus/Spyware/Adware: No

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