Error message: "The MSDN collection does not exist. Please reinstall MSDN." (316177)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Express Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2003), Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2003), Enterprise Architect Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2003), Enterprise Developer Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2003), Academic Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Enterprise Architect Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Enterprise Developer Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Academic Edition
This article was previously published under Q316177

SYMPTOMS

When you try to view help for a legacy ActiveX control that is used in a .NET application, you may receive the following error message:
The MSDN collection does not exist. Please reinstall MSDN.

CAUSE

This error message occurs if a corresponding .chm file that documents the ActiveX control does not exist on your system.

RESOLUTION

If the control is included with Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0, install the Visual Studio 6.0 documentation. If the control is from a third-party vendor, please install the documentation for the control, or contact the vendor for assistance.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

This error message occurs on computers on which both Visual Studio 6.0 and Visual Studio .NET or Visual Studio 2005 are installed, but Visual Studio 6.0 documentation is not installed.

You receive the error message when you display the Properties dialog box for the control (click Properties in the shortcut menu), and then click the Help button on the General tab.

Visual Studio .NET or Visual Studio 2005 uses a new help system that is based on the .hxs file format; however, the system can display older help files that are based on the .chm format. ActiveX controls typically use this older file format for help documentation.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:2/1/2006
Keywords:kbvs2005applies kbvs2005swept kbprb KB316177
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