what is notepad?

Question

what is notepad? when i saw some files that looked out of place i tried to open them and i got notepad. which you know you cant read what is it and why is there so many files in it

Answer 1

Notepad is just a simple .txt file reader that also reads some other file types as well.  Sometimes it is set as the default option for file types that the system doesn't know to which program to assign a default and those files are frequently gibberish because Notepad really isn't the right program (and the user needs to find, download, and install a program that can read and open the file type of the file they are working with).  Some system file types can't be read but the system typically defaults them to Notepad when it has no program installed to read or open those file types.  When you come across a file type you can't read and it opens in Notepad and is gibberish, enter the file type into Bing in your internet browser and check out the articles - there will be several which will offer to explain the extension and they usually provide a list of programs that can create or open or work with such file types.

To change the default program that opens with a particular file type go to Start / Deffault Programs / Associate a File or Protocol with a program and scroll to that file type and click on change to see if it presents any alternatives.  If not, you can always click on browse and search your Program Files for the executable file of program that you want to use as the new default program - if you have one installed that can read or work with that file type.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

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Lorien - MCSE/MCSA/Network+/A+ --- If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.