Windows 10: Notepad has converted a file used for a while into symbols and special characters gibberish...

I have a notepad file that was maintained over several computers and windows updates. All was good until the latest update of Windows 11 I think as I did not check right after the update. But now the file is not readable. I have tried converting to ANSI, UFT8, UFT16, and flavors in-between. Nothing appears to help. Windows restore will only impact systems files and not data files. Unfortunately, I have not backed up my Notepad files, so I cannot restore a previous version. How can I at least get a readable copy of this file?

:)

 

Notepad showing gibberish characters after copying to a different device

All my notepad content after moving to a new device opening showing gibberish characters in ANSI mode, based on reading few blogs I have tried opening in UTF-8, Unicode and Unicode with Big endian it still shows in gibberish characters.

Windows 10 Notepad version 1803.

This not only with Notepad, all pdf, word and excel shows as file corrupted. Kindly help me getting out of these issues.

 

How to insert text symbols and special characters in windows

There are few ways to type symbols in Windows 10.

1 - Search "charmap" in windows search to find symbols. Character Map app will appear with a list of symbols.

2 - Use ALT key code to type text symbols.

3 - You can find almost all text symbols here: Text symbols and special characters

Best of luck.

 

Notepad issue- English turned into gibberish/unreadable symbols

Step 2: Windows Update

• Once again update through Windows Update
• Follow this steps:
  • Click on Windows Key
  • Click on Settings
  • Click on Update & Security
  • On left panel click on Windows Update
  • On right panel under Windows Update click on Check for Updates

Step 3: Scan your system

• Specially D Drive or Notepad folder or Perform Full Scan
  if possible
• Scan your system by Windows Defender(Recommended) or antivirus program

Step 4: Unreadable to English

• Open that Notepad file
• Select all Crtl +A(Its optional only in Notepad)
• On menu-bar click on Format menu, then Font...
• Font window will open
• Make it as shown below:
• 
  
  

Step 5: Please let us know

• Please let us know if the issue is Resolved or Not.
• Please feel free to communicate if you have stuck