Every text file I open in Notepad is all garbled.

original title: FILES WITH NOTEPAD AS DEFAULT COME OUT GARBLED

I have Notepad as default for a number of files including Help and Support,my problem is that I get garbled text on every window

I open.

can anyone advise please.

K Key.

This thread is locked. You can vote as helpful, but you cannot reply or subscribe to this thread.

Answer

This is a "file association" problem. Here is the full list of all the "File association" steps that I've seen proved useful before. There is no need to go beyond the step that solves the problem but all the "your computer" & Microsoft checks are fine to do in any case - they would not do any harm even if there was no fault.

On your computer

Control panel, Default programs, both Set your default programs and Associate a file type or protocol with a program

[IE check only] Internet explorer, Tools, Internet options, Programs - set Make default

Microsoft links [read the descriptions on the linked pages first]

Fix broken desktop shortcuts and common system maintenance tasks

Fixit When you run an .exe file on a Windows Vista-based or Windows 7-based computer, the file may start a different program

Diagnose and repair Windows File and Folder Problems automatically

Consider running the System File Checker

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

There is additional guidance on it in sfc.exe /scannow

and then, if necessary,

3rd party links [read the descriptions on the linked page first to make sure it matches your symptoms - only go this far if you have to]