Date: 2023oct24 Q. Windows: 'notepad' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. A. This can occur when you use Notepad++ / Textpad / etc as a Notepad replacement. To get Notepad back, delete this key in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\Notepad.exe

As usual: you need to be admin, take great care when editing the registry. More info https://superuser.com/questions/95957/windows-cannot-find-c-windows-system32-notepad-exe You can also try WordPad or IExplore as basic applications to display a text file.