HLB File Extension

What is HLB file?

Full format name of files that use HLB extension is VMS / VAX Help Library. HLB file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. HLB file format, along with 6033 other file formats, belongs to the Misc Files category. The most popular program for handling HLB files is OpenVMS, but users can choose among 2 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support HLB file extension

The following listing features HLB-compatible programs. HLB files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with HLB extension?

Problems with accessing HLB may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to VMS / VAX Help Library files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install OpenVMS software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening HLB files is that no program that can handle HLB files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select OpenVMS or one of the recommended programs (for example, Text editor, HP OpenVMS Systems) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support HLB files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading OpenVMS installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update OpenVMS to the latest version

If you already have OpenVMS installed on your systems and HLB files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that OpenVMS cannot handle files with HLB may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of OpenVMS should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate VMS / VAX Help Library files with OpenVMS

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate HLB files with latest version of OpenVMS you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the HLB file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where OpenVMS is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open HLB files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the HLB file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select OpenVMS and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with HLB extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the HLB 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 HLB file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the HLB file for viruses or malware

If the HLB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the HLB 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 HLB file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with HLB extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the VMS / VAX Help Library file again.

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

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support HLB files. Close all running programs and try opening the HLB file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

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

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the HLB file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on HLB file.