HCL File Extension

What is HCL file?

HCL is a file extension commonly associated with HotDocs Clause Archive files. HotDocs defined the HotDocs Clause Archive format standard. Files with HCL extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. HCL file format, along with 1326 other file formats, belongs to the Data Files category. HotDocs is by far the most used program for working with HCL files. Software named HotDocs was created by Matthew Bender & Company, Inc.. In order to find more detailed information on the software and HCL files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support HCL file extension

The following listing features HCL-compatible programs. Files with HCL 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 HCL extension?

Being unable to open files with HCL extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with HCL 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 HCL files.

Step 1. Download and install HotDocs

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports HCL files installed on the system. To address this issue, go to the HotDocs developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading HotDocs installed is by going to developer’s website (Matthew Bender & Company, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of HotDocs and update if needed

You still cannot access HCL files although HotDocs is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that HotDocs cannot handle files with HCL may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of HotDocs is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate HotDocs Clause Archive files with HotDocs

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate HCL files with latest version of HotDocs you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the HCL file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where HotDocs is installed, check the Always use this app to open HCL files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with HCL extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select HotDocs and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with HCL extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the HCL is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper HCL file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the HCL in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the HCL is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the HCL file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the HCL file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the HCL file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the HotDocs Clause Archive file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open HotDocs

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with HCL 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 HotDocs Clause Archive file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle HCL files.

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