Prevent Windows updates from reinstating ribbon version of Wordpad

The first thing I do when getting a new computer is to replace Window's version of notepad with something better and get rid of the ribboned version of Wordpad.

Because I am a WordPerfect user, I use the old version of Wordpad extensively when I need something simple with formatting capabilities. I followed the instructions I found at this website for putting back the old version of wordpad: https://www.askvg.com/how-to-get-the...-in-windows-7/.

Only problem is, each and every time I download and install a Windows update, it insists on reinstating the ribboned version of Wordpad. Since Wordpad can be found in half-a-dozen different locations, going through the process of replacing all those executables is tiresome and tedious. How can I prevent this annoying behavior once and for all?

Thanks in advance,

Larkspur

You wont be able to prevent an installed update from doing anything. However you might be able to prevent automatic updates from running. That is what a lot of windows 7 users are doing. If you choose to do this, you can then just install the updates that you want, ie. install those updates that do not undo or reset the changes that you made.

I've been doing exactly what you suggested. I disabled automatic updates in favor of Windows notifying me when updates are available.

Obvious question: How can I tell which updates will mess with Wordpad and which will leave it alone?

So far I've had to perform a System Restore three times, and I may be missing some updates I actually really need.

Thanks again,

Larkspur

i) Install each one, one at a time, and see what ones changes the WordPad program. If the changes caused by an update upsets your WordPad configuration, then revert the decision by using system restore. Make a note of the updates that affect the program, and hide those updates.
ii) An advanced alternative would be to use a batch file to implement the classic WordPad. You would just launch the batch file every time you needed the classic WordPad.
iii) If this sounds rather inconvenient, then ditch WordPad and install an alternative like Notepad++, Jarte or LibreOffice.

iko22 said:

ii) An advanced alternative would be to use a batch file to implement the classic WordPad. You would just launch the batch file every time you needed the classic WordPad.

I've used batch files in the past. I've just never written one. I know they're just text files that have had their extensions changed to .bat

Can you point me in the direction where I can learn how to create one for this instance? Please?

Where you have learned how to use the GUI to take ownership of a file, open a specific folder, copy a file and rename a file, you are looking to do these as a batch file. Go through the list of command prompt commands and find batch file equivalence of the GUI commands.

Good luck.