What is the valid DTD for <a href?

Greetings,
  I am having no end of difficulty with a fresh install of the
www-validator v.0.74. First I discover that inspite of it's
claim to validate remote https streame (via the protocols tag
in the validator.conf file) it doesn't, but now I discover that
valid and working links in documents via the <a href= string
cause the validator no end of grief, and me, no end of frustration.
</end-vent>
Whew. OK. Here's the deal. Can anyone tell me why the following and
long been working link is invalid?

<a  
href="http://www.picosearch.com/cgi-bin/ts.pl?index=213922&help=help">Help</a>

It's worked for years and works now. But for reasons that are
completely beyond my comprehension - according to the validator -
is a completely invalid link. DTD is 4.01 transitional.

Thank you for all your time and consideration.

Chris H.


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