Reference number: CH000956

What is the hhctrl.ocx file?

Question:

What is the hhctrl.ocx file?

Answer:

What is hhctrl.ocx?

The hhctrl.ocx file is a file created by Microsoft that has a description of "Microsoft HTML Help Control". This file is an ActiveX file that enables a user to view their help interface in Microsoft Internet Explorer.

This file is located in the c:\windows\system32 or c:\winnt\system32 directory and can also be found in the c:\i386 directory.

Is this file a security threat?

This file has been identified on December 25, 2004 as a vulnerable file that could allow a remote attacker to gain access to information on Windows 2000, XP, NT Server, and 2003 computer running Internet Explorer 6 SP1. If however you're running Internet Explorer 7 or later and/or and Windows is up-to-date you should not be effected by this issue.

Full details about this security vulnerability and related Microsoft KB document can be found here.

Is this file a spyware, trojan, or virus?

The hhctrl.ocx file included with Microsoft Internet Explorer is not spyware, a trojan, or a virus. However, like any file on your computer it can become corrupted by a virus or trojan. antivirus programs can detect and clean this file if it has become infected. Because this file is part of Internet Explorer users should never delete or remove this file if they think it is infected, let the antivirus program handle it.

Can I delete this file?

It is not recommended that users delete this file. Deleting the file can cause issues with Internet Explorer. If you believe your computer is vulnerable to the above security threat making sure Windows is up-to-date will correct this issue.

Additional Information:

• Additional information the address reserved range associated with this file can be found on document CH000957.
• See our file extension page for additional information about the .ocx file extension and other file extensions.