Replace Notepad with Notepad2 (or Notepad++) [closed]

Question

What is the correct way to install Notepad2 (or some other equivalent) in Windows 7 so that it is executed when WindowsKey-R -> notepad is entered?

I've tried creating shortcuts in C:\windows\System32 or replacing Notepad.exe. Both failed due to permissions issues.

Answer 1

Never replace actual system files. This causes more problems than the actual benefit.

A build of Notepad2 using "Image File Execution Options\Debugger" (a feature in Windows usually used to automatically attach debuggers on processes by substituting a process for another) to replace the original Notepad is available at this URL:

http://code.kliu.org/misc/notepad2/

It is way safer than replacing notepad, and doesn't require Windows File Protection to be disable or circumvented. Works on any version of Windows >= XP.

Answer 2

Found it... leaving the question up in case others find it useful

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/showthread.php?t=35&page=2

Answer 3

There is a solution right on Notepad2 webpage.

Replacing Notepad in Windows Vista

1. Download and extract Notepad2.
   
2. Rename Notepad2.exe to notepad.exe.
   
3. Find c:\windows\notepad.exe and c:\windows\system32\notepad.exe and set the owner to ‘Administrators’, and grant Administrators full control.
   
4. Using Windows Explorer, drag and drop the renamed notepad2.exe to c:\windows and c:\windows\system32.

Just don't forget to grant 'Administrators' full control.

Answer 4

You need to replace the notepad file notepad2's file (renaming is a good option) in 3 directories:

WINDOWS
WINDOWS/SYSTEM32
WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/DLLCACHE
(start replacing them in reverse order, starting with ...DLLCACHE)

Put retry when Windows start complaining about it. And it works.

Answer 5

This is simple:

1. go to Notepad++ dir and copy Notepad++.exe to notepad.exe but keep both in that dir

2. edit your path enviroment settings to include that dir but put in int the front of the settings for example:

   C:/Windows/system32;...
   

   becomes

   C:(PATH to dir of notepad++);C:/Windows/system32;...