Cannot open .INI file with Notepad

Darkdrium SG

I am using Window XP SP2

There are 2 possibilities that caused this, I don't know which.

- Last Monday, my computer detected a virus. I don't know what is it called, all I know it has W32 at the beginning.

- Today I tried to create an .INI file, first creating a .TXT file and changing the extension to .INI

Then I got the problem, I couldn't edit the new .INI file. Because when I open it, I get this message "The file name, directory name, or volume syntax is incorrect".

I decided to delete the .INI file I created and just copy an .INI file I got from another folder.

When I was exploring that folder and opening my .INI file. (The one I wanted to copy)

I got the error message again, "The file name, directory name, or volume syntax is incorrect"

I googled for solution, then I came across this person saying changing the registry setting will work.

This is what he said, and what I did.

Please change the registry settings, this will go.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\inifile\shell\open\c...

change from "%SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE %1" to "%SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE"

(just take out the "%1")

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\inifile\shell\print\...

change from "%SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE /p %1" to "%SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE /p"

simillarly for Batfiles.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\batfiles\shell\edit\...

change from "%SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE %1" to "%SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE"

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\batfiles\shell\print...

change from "%SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE %1" to "%SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE"

After changing these settings, rebooting. I tried opening the .INI file, the error message was gone. BUT when I open it, the notepad is empty, and the blue bar above which states the file name is "Untitled".

I can open .INI file without problems with Wordpad, but Notepad is the problem.

Any solutions?

playmemory SG

the %1 refers to the parameters that is needed to open by notepad. mybe your notepad.exe is corrupted. try system restore. good luck.

caleb_chiang SG

reinstall then...

or download the notepad++ better

Darkdrium SG

Thanks for the reply.

@ playmemory, I changed the registry settings back to normal, then when I tried to open the .INI file. I can read the text inside.

But a small window pops up, "Before you can perform printer-related tasks such as page setup or printing a document, you need to install a printer". Means whenever I open it, it is clicking the "Print" button.

I did Right Click > Open the file and it still asks me whether I want to print.

I think the Open button become Printing button. I don't have the Edit button.

If there's nothing I can do, I will just get Notepad++ as caleb suggested.

playmemory SG

Could you install a printer first?

Alternatively, use add/remove program files to remove and add notepad.

Darkdrium SG

That would be troublesome, and all the printers in my house are used.

And I see no "Notepad" in Add or Remove Programs.

If I were to remove Notepad, how do I add it again. Is Window XP disc required?

playmemory SG

i mean install a printer driver and set it as default.

you may need windows XP CD. it should be under add/remove windows component.

Darkdrium SG

I will do that soon, I will post the results tomorrow.