WordPad won't open txt.

Hi
This is from a friend of mine....

Any Ideas on how to fix this ?
Thanks
Geri

 

Hello Gerri,

The following is from a reference of Newt's on an MS kb article - didn't save the link:

This problem occurs because WordPad does not start as expected. WordPad does not start because it is not converting the Microsoft Word document to Rich Text Format.
WORKAROUND
Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To work around this problem, edit the registry and add the EnableLegacyConverters entry with a DWORD value of 1. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate the following registry subkey:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Wordpad
3. Right-click Wordpad, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
4. Type EnableLegacyConverters, and then press ENTER to name the new entry.
5. Right-click EnableLegacyConverters, and then click Modify.
6. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
7. Quit Registry Editor.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks Charles
He more then likely won't do this. Changing the registry is beyond his nervous system
Any other Ideas?
Geri

 

Hi Gerri,

One other way that I know of, but it's messy:

Open the .doc file with Notepad, he'll get all the .doc formating symbols as well as the text. Copy the legible text leaving the symbols behind and paste the text into a new Wordpad document.

The .doc file when openned with Notepad will look this:

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Regards - Charles

 

Geri--Do not worry that the following fix says it is for Quicken. It will work for any old .doc/.rtf file created in Win98's WordPad, but which now will not open in WinXP's WordPad.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=870883
I am sorry it is a Registry fix. They really are not so dangerous as long as the key being changed is first backed up (File|Export) so the old key can be replaced if needed. (A .reg file will be created by the Export. To replace, you right click on it and click Merge.) I doubt your friend will need it, but better be safe.
And have your friend print out the MSKB article mentioned so it will be easy to follow the directions.

 

OK
Thanks all, I'll see which one he would like to do.
Geri

 

Geri, If he's not up to manually editing the Registry, here is a .reg file that will do the work for him. Just tell him to run the file and allow it to merge when asked. It will do what has been outlined by the others but without the risk of a mis-cue.

WordPadLagacySupport

 

Thanks surferdude
I will let him know.

The URL has your name in it, Is this something you created?
Geri

Ok, Never mind, I see, storage?!

 

charlesvar--Sorry I did not read your first post all the way through. I see you supplied the same reg fix as I did. Anyway now you know the MSKB #.

 

No Problem Jim, and your right, got the link.

Regards - Charles