Tips to open HCL file
Can't open the HCL file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open HCL files as well as a list of programs that support HCL files.
HCL file extension
| File Name |
HotDocs Clause Archive |
| File Developer |
HotDocs |
| File Category |
Data Files |
The HCL file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the HCL files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the HCL file on each system platform.
What is HCL file?
The file with the extension HCL is the Data Files file type. The author of this format is HotDocs. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. HotDocs Clause Archive is most often found on 1 operating systems. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use HotDocs to handle this file. This is a program created by Matthew Bender & Company, Inc..
How to open HCL file?
The main problem with HotDocs Clause Archive is that the HCL file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open HCL, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the HCL file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install HotDocs
The first step is to check if the computer has the HotDocs program installed. To do this, enter the name HotDocs into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open HCL files.
Programs to open HCL file
Remember to download programs supporting HCL files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of HotDocs with HCL files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the HCL file to open in the HotDocs application, but you can set it manually. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the HCL file with the HotDocs program.
Step 3. Update HotDocs to the latest version
If, despite the association of the HotDocs program with the HotDocs Clause Archive file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. website and install the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the HCL file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:
The HCL file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the HCL file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file HCL or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected HCL files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the HCL file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair HCL file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact HotDocs
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted HCL files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the HCL file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the HCL file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file HCL to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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