The reason you're getting that message is that you changed the extension of the file.

Wordpad saves files with a .doc extension (compatible with MS word, including formatting, etc). Notepad saves with a .txt extension.

If you want the files to open automatically, change the file name to whatever you want, but keep the extension (the period and the three characters after it).

OK, so if I want the file name to be "Fish" I should name it "Fish.txt" or "Fish.doc" depending on whether I'm using notepad or wordpad? Is there any way to make it keep the extension automatically?

thanks,
J

When you are saving a wordpad file, is this what comes up when you click save as?

If so, type the file name that you want in the first box and then click on the drop down arrow for the save as type. It should save that way. I usually check to save as a txt document.

Is there a reason you need to use both Notepad and Wordpad? I would abandon Notepad and stick with Wordpad which is a more robust program.

Using Wordpad and saving in Rich Text Format (RTF) allows you to send files to others if necessary and they should have no difficulty opening these files.

Maryann, I hadn't tried saving using "save as". Didn't have to with my old PC. I'll see if that improves things.

Obwist, I'm experimenting. I've used XP at work some, but not enough to really understand what I'm doing--and hubby's worse. He can't even type LOL. So I'm trying to find the gears, so to speak.

If I sound stupid now, wait 'til I get brave enough to do more than look at my Word 2007!!!!!

Thanks,
J

It might help you if you go to Start/Control Panel/Folder Options/View tab, untick the box that says "Hide extensions for known file types", and OK out.

I get that warning when I right click on a file to rename it and then type in a name and forget to add the extension. I find it easier to just select the name without the extension and add the new name.

I use both Wordpad and XP If I want to change a wordpad text file I copy and paste into a blank XP document and save it as a word doc. then delte the old text Wordpad file.

I find wordpad is handy if I want to copy something from the net and then print out like an address etc then I print and then delete it.

"If I sound stupid now, wait 'til I get brave enough to do more than look at my Word 2007!!!!!"

Ugh.

Office 2007 introduces new document formats. They've been approved as standards, but that doesn't mean much for those of use who actually try to use them. In the near term, expect to come back here regularly with questions as you transition to MS office 2007 products.

MeggyP - I asked the tech guy who was setting up my PC to have it show the extension. I assume he did. It just never occurred to me I'd have to type the extension in each time I renamed a file. Sure doesn't seem like an improvement to me.

Bob - great idea. I hadn't thought of doing it that way.

bp - actually, I'm kind of looking forward to exploring Word '07. Just haven't had time yet. And it's gonna sit there a little while longer until after I get AVG's upgrade done.

Who said something about computers making your life easier?????

Jann

Make life easier?? - forget it! As far as the new Word, I hate it. I've used Word for years and the new format takes me forever to remember where the common tools are. My office computer has Word 03 which I have no problem with. My home machine is 07 and I get so upset each time I have to use it. I still haven't found 'insert'.

Nothing is where it was. What is annoying is trying to type up a letter quickly on 07, and spending more time trying to find the tools than it took to type the letter. Working with both versions each day drives me crazy.

I use Notepad and when I go to save, it always saves as a txt. I do as Minnie and paste it to a Word document if I need to send it. I rarely do. I just use Notepad for a quick paste of something from the internet like a recipe.

Jane