Restore Microsoft WordPad on Windows XP Home Edition computer

Perform the following below steps to restore the WordPad:

1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop (not on an icon) and select the "New -> Shortcut" option.
2. When prompted for a location, type "C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\wordpad.exe" (include the "" when typing it in).
3. Click the Next button, name the shortcut whatever you want, and then click the Finish button.
4. Try double-clicking on the new shortcut. If WordPad opens up, then click and drag the shortcut wherever you want on the Start menu. If you get an error message when you are creating the shortcut that states that the application could not be found, then you will need to get the Windows XP install disc.
5. On the Windows XP install disc, there should be a directory named i386. Within that directory should be an application named "write.exe". Copy that application to the "C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\" directory and rename it to "wordpad.exe".
6. Now, do the steps to create the shortcut and drag the shortcut onto the Start menu.

Richard, you can also perform any two methods stated below which require the Windows XP CD-ROM to reinstall the WordPad.

Method 1:

Step 1: Click Start, Run and type control appwiz.cpl,,2
(or, use Add/Remove Programs applet, Add/Remove Windows Components)
Step 2: Double-click Accessories and Utilities
Step 3: Double-click Accessories
Step 4: Uncheck WordPad and click OK, OK.
Step 5: Click Next.

Method 2:

1. Click -> START ->Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs.
2. On the far left column of Add or Remove Programs, click on Add/Remove Windows Components.
3. In the Windows Components Wizard, there will be a list of programs you can check, select to highlight Accessories and Utilities, and then click on Details.
4. In the next windows, keep Accessories selected and click Details again.
5. Then put a check mark next to WordPad and click OK.