Cannot open "Notepad"

[Fed]

Also search your computer for notepad.com, if it's there then delete it.
Some viruses install as 'notepad.com' and .com files are read before .exe files.
As previously said, make sure the link points to the correct file including the .exe file extension.

[patio]

Nice catch Fed !

[Comp Guy]

Also search your computer for notepad.com, if it's there then delete it.
Some viruses install as 'notepad.com' and .com files are read before .exe files.

Good to know!

[jonnyD]

When I go to start>all programs>accessories>notepad and right-click on notepad and go to properties, the target says: %SystemRoot%\system32\notepad.exe  and the Shortcut key says: none.  Is that the problem?

[Fed]

Is the notepad.exe file on your computer, it should be in the system32 directory.

[jonnyD]

I have one in the system32 file.   I also have another one on my desktop which I use for now until I can figure out how to fix the main problem.

[Fed]

Navigate to the notepad.exe in the system32 directory and double click on it, does it then open and work properly?

[jonnyD]

No I couldn't open Notepad in the System32 directory.  So I tried to replace that version with a working copy I had on my desktop.  I copied it and pasted it into the System32 directory.  I got a pop-up saying Windows didn't recognize this version and it could effect the way Windows worked - do I want to do it anyway?  I said yes since I could open it on my desktop.  Once I copied it, I still couldn't open it.  I can still open Notepad in the Windows folder and on the desktop (which is a version I saved there once I downloaded it from the web) but not in Systems32.

[Fed]

I'm concerned about your downloaded notepad.exe, I'd copy a notepad.exe from another XPsp2 computer and put it into your system32 directory.
You have nothing to lose here as you have already overwritten your old notepad with the one you downloaded from the net.
Do you remember where you downloaded it from?

[jonnyD]

Not off hand, but I have the same copy on my desktop which works fine as well as the one in the C/:Windows folder.  Only the System 32 seems not to work.

[jonnyD]

Also, a related question:  you suggested to copy Notepad from another XPsp2 computer.  Currently, when I try to open Notepad in the System32 directory (all the other ones I can open) I get a message which says: "Files that are required fro Windows to run properly have been replaced by unrecognized version.  Tomaintain system stability, Windos must restore the original version of these files.  Insert your Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 CD now."

If I do this, am I going to end up having to reload all of Windows XP Pro, or just the files I need?  I don't want to have to start from scratch (which may be why you suggested to get another copy from another XP Pro sp2 computer).

[Fed]

Use the XP disk if you have it, there may be more wrong than just notepad.

[jonnyD]

Use the XP disk if you have it, there may be more wrong than just notepad.

Once again, though, if I put the XP disc in, will I essentially be doing a fresh install (ie. will I have to re-install EVERYTHING)? That would be a major drag.  Or would it just fix the problem files and leave everything else alone?

[Deerpark]

You can do a repair install of XP if you got a XP install disc (not to be confused with a OEM recovery disc).
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
This should preserve all your settings and programs and just replace windows. (If you got any important files on the partition it would still be a good idea to back them up though.)

[patio]

JohnnyD it's good to see you made it back after all that time...

Follow Deerpark's link above...it's the best guide on doing a repair install there is.
Read thru it first to get familiar and print out a copy for reference before you begin.