Windows 10: Lost file associations, esp RTF

(I have found threads on this topic here, but nothing that fits the bill.)

All of a sudden I can't open docs saved in WordPad because:

This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action. Please install an app or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Apps Settings page.

I then had multi-pop-ups in the bottom right of screen saying that an app had changed a file association so associations had been reset to defaults - eg, .rwl to Photos. (Whatever rwl may be - I didn't recognise most of the ones I caught sight of.)

I cannot change file associations in Settings because WordPad isn't there, for .rtf it offers me Word (which I neither have nor want) or to find an app in the Store, which won't populate.

It will open docs if I do so via AllPrograms>WindowsAccessories>WordPad>Open...

I can't simply reinstall WordPad so it will claim the file association, can I? I do like to use it for simple docs, like those containing the copyright and other info I put in YouTube Description on my videos, and other things.

Did a System Restore to a couple of days ago but it failed. The only other one I've got is for the dreaded 1803 update.

I've had a number of issues* with the OS lately, so I'm on the verge of reinstalling it, but it will be such a lot of work that I wonder if anyone can give me a quick fix for today's particular problem? Just to tide me over.

*Hence I'm already frazzled and not thinking clearly.

Thank you for any input.

:)

 

Windows 10 desktop icons changed after installing NCH Video Pad Video Editor

Hi,

Welcome to Microsoft Community and thank you for your interest in Windows 10.

This issue might have occurred if the file format default programs are changed.

I suggest you to follow the below steps to check the settings and check if it helps.

• In the search box, type control panel.
• Click on Default programs.
• Then click on “associate a file type or protocol with a program”.
• Search for “.rtf” file and check which is the default program.
• Select the “.rtf” file and click on change program, then select WordPad, check whether the issue persists.

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.

 

*.rtf files on the N8

This will solve your problem , it can read rtf files !

This domain is no more in use