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MSConfig Opens in Notepad on Windows 7 [Solved]
It’s the misconfigured file associations to blame
4 min. read
Published onJuly 5, 2024
published onJuly 5, 2024
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In the past few years, we have seen several cases whereMSConfigopens inNotepadon Windows 7. The characters in the text editor are all illegible, and you can’t make any changes to the PC. This is usually caused by incorrect file association, malware infection, and corrupt system files.
Similarly, you may even findRegedit.exeopening inNotepador all programs opening inNotepadon Windows 7. Let’s find out how you can fix all these problems at once!
What can I do if MSConfig opens in Notepad on Windows 7?
1. Correct the file associations (default apps)
If you have ever manually tried openingMSConfigwithNotepadon Windows 7, it may have set the choice as default. In this case, you should clear the file associations via Registry.
In case that doesn’t work, modifying the value data will do the trick when.exefiles are not opening in Windows 7.
2. Repair the corrupt system files
3. Run a malware scan
In case you haven’t manually changed the file associations andMSConfigstill opens inNotepadon Windows 7, malware/viruses are known to do that. So, I recommend you run a full system scan to remove any possible threats.
Also, if the built-in Windows Security Essentials doesn’t help, use aneffective third-party antivirus solution!
4. Perform a system restore
5. Reset/reinstall Windows 7
If nothing else works, you can alwaysreset Windows 7 to factory defaults. This will revert every setting to default and delete any third-party apps that might be causingMSConfigto open inNotepadon Windows 7.
In case that too fails, the last option is to reinstall Windows 7. While Microsoft doesn’t officially offer the OS anymore, you candownload the Windows 7 ISOfrom other sources. Once done, create a bootable USB and then reinstall Windows 7 via it!
After you are done with the reinstall, neitherMSConfignor any other .exe file will open inNotepadon Windows 7, and you can proceed with installing the apps that were wiped out in the process.
Besides, if you find the PC running slow, get aneffective optimizer software for Windows 7!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:exe file,windows 7
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
