Understanding HDA Issues
Issues Opening HDA Files
HotDocs Not Present
You attempt to load your HDA file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The HDA File Extension". When this happens, it is commonly due to HotDocs missing in %%os%%. The OS won't know what to do with your HDA file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.
Tip: If you know of another program that can open your HDA file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.
HotDocs Requires Update
In other instances, your HotDocs Auto-Assemble File file version may not be supported by your version of HotDocs. You will need to download a newer version of HotDocs if you don't have the right version. This issue mainly occurs when your HotDocs Auto-Assemble File file was created by a newer version of HotDocs than you have on your PC.
Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of HDA file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).
Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening HDA files are due to having the wrong version of HotDocs installed.
Other Causes of HDA File Opening Problems
You can still experience errors opening HDA files even with the latest version of HotDocs installed on your PC. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening HDA files. Problems unrelated to software:
- File references in the Windows Registry for HDA are wrong
- Accidental deletion of the description of the HDA file in the Windows registry
- HotDocs or another HDA application experienced a flawed installation
- Something has caused file corruption of your HDA
- Malware-tainted HDA file can't be opened
- Drivers associated with HDA software need to be updated
- Insufficient system resources to successfully open HotDocs Auto-Assemble File files
Quiz: Which operating system pioneered hierarchical file system (eg. file folders)?
That's Correct!
Multics was the first OS to support hierarchies of directories (eg. "Home" -> "Documents" -> "Work"). Nearly every modern operating system was heavily influenced by Multics.
Close, but not quite...
Multics was the first OS to support hierarchies of directories (eg. "Home" -> "Documents" -> "Work"). Nearly every modern operating system was heavily influenced by Multics.