Windows 10: my notepad files are not opening as before

my notepads from Smith3 are not opening readable. I have used them for 20 years. I did not open since October 16 and not when I try to open it is all not readable

:)

 

Unable to open Notepad or MS Paint

I have a desktop PC with Windows 10. I use both Notepad and MS Paint frequently and they both recently stopped opening. Clicking the taskbar shortcuts to open them doesn't cause them to open; the mouse switches to the "loading" throbber, but reverts back after about a second without opening any windows. The same thing occurs when I locate the *.exe files in the system32 folder. There is no error message or change in state to screenshot.

The following descriptions say "Notepad," but in each case I have tried the steps for both MS Paint and Notepad, and I'm looking for help with both. Based on suggestions from around the internet I have tried:

1. running notepad as an administrator (both from the taskbar shortcut and by locating notepad.exe in the file explorer).
   
2. resetting the cache for the Windows store (using "WSReset.exe") and then running notepad.
   
3. uninstalling and then reinstalling notepad via Settings>Apps and features>Optional features.
   
4. restarting computer
   
5. updating computer and then restarting
   
6. uninstalling notepad, restarting, reinstalling notepad.
   

Windows specifications from Settings>System>About are:

Edition Windows 10 Home
Version 22H2
Installed on ‎1/‎16/‎2023
OS build 19045.2728
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4190.0

 

How do I get Notepad to list recently opened Notepad files?

Today, right clicking on the Notepad icon on the taskbar has stopped giving a list of recently open Notepad files. This list is extremely useful to me. Is there any way to recover this feature ?

UPDATE: When I left click and right click several times, there intermittently appears the list of recently open Notepad files. But I don't have a reliable method for accessing this list. Grrr.

Will much appreciate help.

 

Notepad automatically opening when ABA file downloaded

Hi Fiona,

We suggest that you follow these steps to uncheck the Always open this type of file:

• Right click on an ABA file.
  
• Hover your mouse cursor on Open with and select Choose another app.
• Uncheck the Always open this type of file and click on
  OK.

Let us know how it goes.