Twice this week, Wordpad.exe has refused to run (corrupt?); so I replaced it. Immediately, the file Wordpad.exe is replaced by the system -- with its own copy. Granted, it is not faulty at first; but I cannot even put a newer one in.

For example: I open C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories
I deleted the file Wordpad.exe
I count to ten
Tadaaa... it reappears.
OR
I replace the 2004 version of wordpad with the 2008 version (same directory)
I count to ten
Tadaa... it is replaced by the 2004 version.

I am so glad (grrrrr) that Microsoft knows what I need better than I do!!

My goal:
To have Wordpad not crash twice a week
To be able to update Wordpad
To be able to delete a file even if Windows thinks otherwise
To BE SURE THIS IS NOT A VIRAL PROBLEM (I'm allergic to worms and trojans)

Hope I made you grin. Hope you can help. Paulen

Hello Paulen,

You did make me grin with your lively post. As far as your problem goes, did you try running "sfc /scannow" just for kicks?

And if you REALLY want to delete wordpad and replace it with your own copy you need to disable system restore before you delete it.
Right click on My Computer, click Properties, click on the System Restore tab, Check the Turn Off System Restore box.
Now click OK a few times. Then delete your Wordpad.exe, replace it with the one you want to use. Then reboot.
Now re-enable system restore by unchecking that box.

Not sure if this will help your situation
Description of the Windows File Protection feature

This may help
Uninstall WordPad or Repair WordPad with XPlite.

Here is a link for a wordpad replacement
FREE Word Processor Based on Microsoft's WordPad Engine

Show hidden files -> go to windows/system32/dllcache and replace it there.