Windows Notepad is fast, robust but it lacks many features. There are many text editors in the market which are free, fast and loads with bundles of features. The most popular text editors are EditPad, TextPad, Notepad2, Notepad++. I personally like Notepad2 which is robust and has many features.

So, you have decided to replace windows notepad with your favourite text editor, then follow the following step by step guide.

In this guide, I am replacing windows default notepad with notepad2 but you can replace with any other text editor you would like. I am using Windows XP SP2

Step 1: First we will create backup of Windows Notepad file.
Copy following file and paste at some other location. Don’t cut this file just copy it.

C:\WINDOWS\notepad.exe

Step 2:
Rename your favourite text editor to notepad.exe

Step 3:
Click on Tools Menu > Folder Options… > View Tab
do following:
Select Show hidden files and folders
Select Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)

When you click on Hide protected operating system files. You will get a prompt, Click Yes.

Step 4:
Goto

C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\

and paste your favourite text editor here which is already renamed to notepad.exe (for eg: editpad.exe to notepad.exe)

Step 5:
Paste your same favourite text editor in the following locations also

C:\WINDOWS\system32\

C:\WINDOWS\

You will soon received “Windows File Protection” prompt and you will be asked to insert windows cd, click Cancel.

Then you’ll get an another prompt saying

You choose not to restore the original versions of the files. This may affect Windows stability. Are you sure you want to keep these unrecognized file versions?

Click Yes.

Step 6: (Optional)
Please remember if your text editors requires .ini file or any required files you would need to paste that file here otherwise some functionality will be lost.

C:\WINDOWS\

Step 7:
Uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) option from the tools menu. (for help goto Step 3)

Now! Enjoy your favourite text editor as a default windows text editor. If you find this working, leave your reply below.

If you like this post you can start following me on twitter