Why does IE say they can open htm files, when they can't?

Hi,

I'm reading that NOTEPAD or IE can open .htm files. Not for me. But this is a XP issue since my friend is still using this XP OS, I was curious how other XP users open these htm files with INTERNET EXPLORER.

I just upgraded from XP to Win7 64 bit,but before my upgrade, my freind sent me a .htm file that he's going to send to his attorney,but can't open it.

I did an online search of programs that could possible open these files, but even with my new Win7 IE version9, or Notepad, or even my XP PRO office, can't open it. I.e tried to change the extension to html, but no good either.

In my Notepad from my end, all I see is source code. He wanted me to open it, clean it up, then send back to him, to send to his attorney.....

If any microsoft office programs open these, and if so, which Office suite would do this, or is there another program to open this htm files ?

Thanks for your help!