Tips to open HL$ file
Can't open the HL$ file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open HL$ files as well as a list of programs that support HL$ files.
HL$ file extension
| File Name |
MS-DOS Compressed Help |
| File Category |
Archive Files |
The HL$ file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the HL$ files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the HL$ file on each system platform.
What is HL$ file?
The HL$ file has been categorized as Archive Files. Additionally, the Archive Files category contains 619 of other files. MS-DOS Compressed Help appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Windows. The main program that supports this format is MS-DOS. This was created by Microsoft Corporation.
How to open HL$ file?
The main problem with MS-DOS Compressed Help is that the HL$ file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open HL$, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the HL$ 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 MS-DOS
The first step is to check if the computer has the MS-DOS program installed. To do this, enter the name MS-DOS 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 HL$ files.
Programs to open HL$ file
Remember to download programs supporting HL$ files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of MS-DOS with HL$ files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the HL$ file to open in the MS-DOS application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the MS-DOS application as the default for handling the HL$ file.
Step 3. Update MS-DOS to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the MS-DOS program, it is possible that MS-DOS Compressed Help requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the HL$ file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
The HL$ file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the HL$ file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the HL$ file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected HL$ files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of HL$ file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged HL$ files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted HL$ files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the HL$ file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the HL$ file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the HL$ file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
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