Cannot access Notepad

[Bob]

Somehow it seems I've lost access to Notepad. This message window appears
when I try to access it through the "Accessories" menu or view "Source" in
my browser.

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\notepad.exe is not a valid Win32 application.

Also, the columns in my Start/All Programs window are now spread wide apart.
I can only view the icons in the right list and not the program
descriptions. I've tried everything I know to fix it, but to no avail.

I do not know if both of these problems occurred at the same time or if
they're related.

I do not have a restore point that precedes the problem.

Thanks for your help.
Bob

 

[CWatters]

Somehow it seems I've lost access to Notepad. This message window appears
when I try to access it through the "Accessories" menu or view "Source" in
my browser.

There are some Trojans (similar to a computer virus but not always detected
by antivirus S/W) that attack notepad.

See this thread..

http://www.computercops.biz/postt15844.html

If it's not a Trojan try this....

Find the file "Notepad.exe" file in C:\Windows folder, and use copy it to
the C:\Windows\System32 folder.

Colin (not an MVP)

 

[Bob]

Hi Colin,

I copied the "Notepad.exe" file as you recommended and it worked. I
appreciate your help. Many thanks.

Bob

 

[padmanabha]

Find the file "Notepad.exe" file in C:\Windows folder, and use copy it to
the C:\Windows\System32 folder.

Thanks Colin It works!!.