HLB File – What is .hlb file and how to open it?
HLB File Extension
VMS / VAX Help Library – file format by N/A
HLB file extension (VMS / VAX Help Library) is an extension of information associated with OpenVMS Help facility on DEC platforms. This extension is created by N/A.
HLB File Format
HLB files are specifically designed to store help libraries used by VMS and VAX operating systems. These files contain structured text and metadata that provide detailed information and documentation for various topics related to the operating system, commands, utilities, and applications. The HLB format allows for efficient organization and retrieval of help information.
HLB File Structure
HLB files follow a hierarchical structure, featuring sections and subsections. Each section typically corresponds to a specific topic or area of the VMS or VAX operating system. Within each section, there may be multiple subsections that provide more specific information. The HLB format also supports hyperlinks, enabling easy navigation between related topics within the help library. Additionally, HLB files may include embedded images, tables, and other multimedia elements to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of the documentation.
Opening HLB Files on Windows
To open an HLB file on Windows, you need a software program that can recognize and decode the file format. Several programs can open HLB files, including:
- VMware Workstation Player: This virtualization software can open and display the contents of HLB files.
- WinHLP32: This freeware application is specifically designed to open and view HLB files.
- Total Commander: This file manager and archiver supports opening and extracting the contents of HLB files.
Once you have installed one of these programs, you can open an HLB file by double-clicking on it. The program will automatically open the file and display its contents.
Opening HLB Files on Other Operating Systems
HLB files can also be opened on other operating systems, such as macOS and Linux. However, the specific software programs required to open HLB files may vary depending on the operating system.
- macOS: On macOS, you can open HLB files using the Help Viewer application.
- Linux: On Linux, you can use the hlbview command-line utility to open HLB files.
Alternatively, you can use a cross-platform application like VMware Workstation Player or Total Commander to open HLB files regardless of the operating system.
HLB File Format
HLB files are VMS/VAX Help Library files that store help information for VMS and VAX operating systems. Developed by N/A, these files provide documentation on system commands, error messages, and other technical topics. They are typically stored in a hierarchical file structure, allowing users to easily navigate and search for specific information. HLB files often include formatted text, hyperlinks, and images to enhance the readability and interactiveness of the help content.
Use and Applications
HLB files are primarily used within VMS and VAX environments to provide online help and support to users. They can be accessed through the VMS HELP command or the VAX HELP utility. Users can search for specific topics or browse through the file structure to find the information they need. HLB files are particularly useful for system administrators and developers who require detailed technical documentation for troubleshooting, configuration, and maintenance tasks. They can also be used by end-users for general information about VMS and VAX systems and applications.