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Trying to get notepad.exe back instead of notepad++

Anonymous
2024-09-17T15:58:57+00:00

I don't like the new notepad+++ and am trying to get the old notepad.exe back. I've been on several other threads and have tried everything that they have suggested.

I have uninstalled the notepad++ and found the notepad.exe, but the system won't let me use it.

When I click on a .txt file, and I try to associate it with notepad.exe, I get the error message "The program you have selected cannot be associated with this file type. Please choose another program."

How can I get notepad.exe back, working with the hundreds of txt files I created?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-09-17T17:39:56+00:00

    Hi CJ,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community , I'm Vinay an Independent Advisor.

    I'll be glad to assist you today

    To restore Notepad.exe as the default application for .txt files on Windows 11, follow these steps:

    1. Ensure Notepad.exe is Installed

    Windows 11 should have Notepad pre-installed, but if it’s missing or not working correctly, you can reinstall it:

    1.	Open Settings:

•	Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2.	Go to Apps:

•	Navigate to Apps > Optional features.

3.	Add a Feature:

•	Click on View features and search for Notepad. If it’s not installed, check it and click Next to install it.
    1. Reassociate .txt Files with Notepad.exe
      1. Open Settings:
      • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
      1. Go to Apps:
      • Navigate to Apps > Default apps.
      1. Choose Default Apps by File Type:
      • Scroll down and find the file extension .txt. Click on it.
      1. Change the Default Application:
      • You’ll see a list of applications. Choose Notepad from the list (or click More apps if you don’t see it immediately). If Notepad is not listed, click Look for another app on this PC and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe.
    2. Check and Repair File Associations Manually
      1. Open Command Prompt as Admin:
      • Press Windows + X, and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
      1. Re-register Notepad.exe:
      • Run the following command to re-register Notepad:

    regsvr32 /i notepad.exe

    3.	Check for File Association Fixes:

•	You can use the Default Programs Editor or similar tools to fix file associations if needed.
    1. Use the Control Panel to Change Default Programs
      1. Open Control Panel:
      • Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.
      1. Go to Default Programs:
      • Select Default Programs > Associate a file type or protocol with a program.
      1. Find .txt Extension:
      • Scroll down to .txt and click Change program.
      1. Select Notepad:
      • Choose Notepad from the list, or click Browse to locate C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe manually.
    2. Fix Permissions Issues

    If you still can’t use Notepad.exe, there might be a permissions issue:

    1.	Navigate to Notepad.exe:

•	Go to C:\Windows\System32.

2.	Check Properties:

•	Right-click on notepad.exe, and select Properties.

3.	Check Security Tab:

•	Ensure that your user account has Read & execute permissions. Adjust if necessary.
    1. Perform a System File Check

    Run System File Checker to ensure system files are intact:

    1.	Open Command Prompt as Admin:

•	Press Windows + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

2.	Run SFC:

•	Enter the following command:

    sfc /scannow

    If you follow these steps, you should be able to restore Notepad.exe as the default program for .txt files. If problems persist, consider checking for system updates or performing a repair install of Windows.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2024-09-18T17:05:18+00:00

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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