VitalyNagy
asked on
WordPad does not save files
On two of my computers, both using Windows 7 (Professional and Ultimate), it happens pretty often that, in an attempt to save a changed text in WordPad, I get a message that the file cannot be saved under the previous name because the WordPad file is used by another application. When I am closing the program with a changed text, I get the same message. So, I have to save the changed text under another name. How to resolve this problem other than by using another program?
Thank you.
Thank you.
ASKER
The problem does not occur every time. In some cases, I can save the changed file without any problems. However, pretty often I have problems with saving the same file.
Word Pad is built into Windows (all versions)
Try running System File Checker.
Open cmd.exe with Run as Administrator and run SFC /SCANNOW. Allow to complete, shut down, start up and test.
If SFC fails to correct the problem, you may need to run a Windows 7 Repair Install with the Windows 7 DVD,
Try running System File Checker.
Open cmd.exe with Run as Administrator and run SFC /SCANNOW. Allow to complete, shut down, start up and test.
If SFC fails to correct the problem, you may need to run a Windows 7 Repair Install with the Windows 7 DVD,
ASKER
SFC has not found any integrity violations. I do not know if I still need to restart the computer with this result.
Also, one of the two computers is extremely loaded with all kinds of applications and customizations. The installation disk that came with the computer is 7 years old. So, the question is whether running Repair from it will damage what I have in the system. I intentionally rely on automatic daily imaging of the system disk to avoid any kind of system reconstruction.
Also, one of the two computers is extremely loaded with all kinds of applications and customizations. The installation disk that came with the computer is 7 years old. So, the question is whether running Repair from it will damage what I have in the system. I intentionally rely on automatic daily imaging of the system disk to avoid any kind of system reconstruction.
I would always back up a computer before running a Repair but after seven years of use , anything could go wrong
Are you able to confirm you've opened the file only once if that happens?
ASKER
Yes, I can. I specifically checked Task Manager and the bottom bar to make sure that there are no additional instances of WordPad.
In such cases I usually run Process Explorer from www.sysinternals.com, and search for the file to see which applications are claimed to access the file.
ASKER
I have found in the Processes tab of the Task Manager that, when I am unable to save the file, there are actually two processes for WordPad with substantially different memory allocations: 4 and 20 K. There is only one line for Wordpad in the Applications tab.
That means that there is only a single WordPad with a visible window. Never trust the "Applications" tab if looking for processes, always use "Processes" to get an overview.
ASKER
So?
I suggested a Repair Install earlier. Did you try that?
Also, make a new, test, Windows User Profile (Account). Log into the new Windows Account and test Word Pad.
Also, make a new, test, Windows User Profile (Account). Log into the new Windows Account and test Word Pad.
ASKER
Considering that I have the same problem on two computers, there is something more fundamental. I do not want a risk of damage of my system. It is easier to live without WordPad. Thank you.
Word Pad works fine on all my own and client systems. So there appears to be some common denominator of conflicting software.
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Yes, I would leave Word Pad behind and use a different editor as suggested. I use Notepad a lot.
Thank you and I was happy to help.
That doesn't seem to be fair. The accepted answer #a42252980 is a confirmation of what I stated in the preceding comment.
Right click on the Word Pad icon and select Run as Administrator. Now open the file and try saving it.