HL$ File Extension

What is HL$ file?

Full format name of files that use HL$ extension is MS-DOS Compressed Help. Files with HL$ extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with HL$ extension are categorized as Archive Files files. The Archive Files subset comprises 619 various file formats. The most popular software that supports HL$ files is MS-DOS. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theMS-DOS software, but also about HL$ and other supported file formats.

Programs which support HL$ file extension

The following listing features HL$-compatible programs. Files with HL$ suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with HL$ extension?

Being unable to open files with HL$ extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with HL$ extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with HL$ files.

Step 1. Install MS-DOS software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports HL$ files installed on the system. To address this issue, go to the MS-DOS developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support HL$ files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading MS-DOS installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of MS-DOS and update if needed

If the problems with opening HL$ files still occur even after installing MS-DOS, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of MS-DOS is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why HL$ files are not compatible with MS-DOS. The latest version of MS-DOS should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign MS-DOS to HL$ files

After installing MS-DOS (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open HL$ files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the HL$ with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where MS-DOS is installed, check the Always use this app to open HL$ files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with HL$ extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with HL$ extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the HL$ file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the HL$ file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The HL$ may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the HL$ is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the HL$ file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the HL$ file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic HL$ file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the HL$ file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the MS-DOS Compressed Help file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle MS-DOS

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with HL$ extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with MS-DOS Compressed Help file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with HL$ files affecting older versions of given software.

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