FRM-18105: Failed to start the Help System typically indicates that
the Oracle Forms Builder environment is missing critical configuration settings or cannot locate the necessary Java libraries required to launch the help interface Root Causes Incomplete Configuration:
If the Node Manager, Admin Server, and WLS_FORMS were not started with elevated privileges (Run as Administrator) during the initial setup, final registry entries and configuration steps may have failed to complete. Classpath Conflicts: FORMS_BUILDER_CLASSPATH
environment variables may be missing references to required help-related JAR files, such as help-share.jar Multiple Oracle Homes:
Version conflicts can occur if the system PATH includes multiple Oracle installations or incorrect Java versions. Permissions:
Running the Form Builder without the necessary administrative rights can prevent it from accessing required system components. Oracle Forums Recommended Troubleshooting Steps Verify Java Importer: Test if the JVM is functioning by opening the Java Importer
in Form Builder. If it opens successfully, the JVM is working; the issue is likely specific to the Help library paths. Correct the Classpath: Ensure your FORMS_BUILDER_CLASSPATH in the Windows Registry (typically under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ORACLE\KEY_
%ORACLE_HOME%\oracle_common\modules\oracle.help\help-share.jar
%ORACLE_HOME%\oracle_common\modules\oracle.help\oracle_ice.jar Use Elevated Privileges: Always run the Form Builder and any configuration scripts (like config_builder.cmd
for standalone installations) by right-clicking and selecting Run as Administrator Check for PATH Conflicts:
Review your system PATH variable. Ensure that the current Oracle Home and its required Java versions are at the beginning of the list. Re-run Configuration (If Necessary): frm-18105 failed to start the help system
If the registry entries are entirely missing, it may be necessary to recreate the WebLogic domain or re-run the configuration scripts in an elevated shell to ensure all entries are properly created. Oracle Forums full list of required JAR files
for your specific Oracle Forms version to verify your registry settings? FRM-18105: Failed to start the Help System. - Oracle Forums
FRM-18105: A Common Oracle Error and How to Resolve It
As an Oracle user, you may have encountered the frustrating FRM-18105 error, which prevents you from accessing the help system. This error can be particularly annoying, especially when you need to refer to the documentation for assistance. In this blog post, we'll explore the causes of the FRM-18105 error and provide a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it.
What is FRM-18105?
FRM-18105 is an error code that occurs when the Oracle Forms Help system fails to start. This error typically appears when you click on the "Help" menu or press the F1 key while using an Oracle Forms application. The full error message reads:
"FRM-18105: Failed to start the help system"
Causes of FRM-18105
The FRM-18105 error can occur due to various reasons, including:
How to Resolve FRM-18105
Don't worry; resolving the FRM-18105 error is relatively straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Help System Configuration
forms.cfg file (usually located in the ORACLE_HOME/forms directory) for the following settings:
HELP_ENABLED = TRUEHELP_URL = <valid URL>help directory exists and contains the necessary files.Step 2: Verify File Permissions
help directory and its contents. Ensure that the user has read and execute permissions.Step 3: Update Java Version
Step 4: Reconfigure the Help System
frmweb command with the helpurl option:frmweb helpurl=<valid URL>
Replace <valid URL> with the actual URL of the help system.
Step 5: Restart Oracle Forms
Conclusion
The FRM-18105 error can be frustrating, but it's usually easy to resolve. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you should be able to resolve the issue and access the Oracle Forms Help system. If you're still experiencing issues, you may want to consult Oracle support or a qualified Oracle administrator for further assistance.
Additional Tips
By following these tips and resolving the FRM-18105 error, you can get back to using the Oracle Forms Help system and improve your overall productivity.
The error FRM-18105: Failed to start the help system typically occurs in Oracle Forms when the application cannot launch the help viewer (usually a .hlp or .chm file, or Oracle's internal help).
Here’s a helpful troubleshooting guide to resolve it:
For Forms 6i and earlier, ensure this registry key exists:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ORACLE\FORMS6I\HELP_SYSTEM = winhelp32.exe
.fmx file directly from a Windows shortcut.ifrun60.exe, f60run32.exe, etc.) runs on your local PC..hlp or .chm) reside in a local folder or network drive.If you are an Oracle Forms developer or an end-user running an Oracle Forms application (such as Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle Fusion Middleware Forms Services, or a custom built Forms application), you may have encountered the cryptic error:
"FRM-18105: Failed to start the help system"
This error typically appears when you press the F1 key or click on a Help button within a Forms runtime session. Instead of seeing context‑sensitive help or a help index, the application displays this error message, often followed by a blank or frozen screen.
The issue is not related to your business logic or data; it is purely an environmental configuration problem. Fortunately, it is almost always fixable by adjusting settings on the client machine (for client‑server applications) or on the application/web server (for web‑deployed Forms).
This article will explain: