VFP 9.0 SP2 uses WinHlp32.exe , which is not present in Windows 10/11 by default. Your portable version will show "Cannot open help file." Workaround: Use offline CHM viewers or install the WinHlp32 patch manually (breaks portability).
CREATE TABLE Customers ( CustomerID I, CompanyName C(50), ContactName C(50) ) Visual FoxPro 9.0 SP2 Portable
PROGW = . RESOURCE = .\FOXUSER.DBF TMP = .\TEMP EDITWORK = .\TEMP SORTWORK = .\TEMP STATIC = .\TEMP HELP = .\FOXHELP.CHM _HLP = .\FOXHELP.CHM LIBLOC = .\FFC _MENU = .\MENU _WIZARD = .\WIZARDS _GALLERY = .\GALLERY _COMMAND = CMD _SCREEN = ON ASSERT = ON DEBUG = ON SYSMENU = OFF TITLE = "Visual FoxPro 9.0 SP2 Portable" RESOURCE =
Then, create a launcher script that calls regsvr32 /s with a local manifest, or use reg-free COM with side-by-side manifests (advanced). When that 2012-era warehouse server finally dies, you
While Microsoft ended official support years ago, the developer community continues to rely on VFP 9.0 SP2 for its speed and flexibility. The portable version typically includes:
Keep a backup of your portable VFP folder on a hidden cloud drive. When that 2012-era warehouse server finally dies, you will be ready.