Solved Strange problem with zero-byte text files

I use Notepad to write myself short memos. When I look in File Explorer, or use DIR in a command prompt, three of them show zero bytes and zero bytes on disk.
Yet when I click on them they open and the content is visible. Eventually, I found that Notepad is caching these memos elsewhere!
Note pad was set to open continuing the previous session and I think this was the reason. I have changed this to start a new session.

When I opened each zero-byte file and saved it with a new name, that file did show bytes for size and size on disk.

But oddly, when I now open the original files, they are empty!

I found a way to revert back to the classic notepad because I didn't want all that capability just to leave myself a note. If I need more then I can always open a docx file.

Win711 said:

I found a way to revert back to the classic notepad because I didn't want all that capability just to leave myself a note. If I need more then I can always open a docx file.

Click to expand...

I hear you.
This is why I still use candles. That electricity thing will never catch on.

OAT said:

I hear you.
This is why I still use candles. That electricity thing will never catch on.

Click to expand...

If I could run my pc on candles then I'd give it a go

But a bloated notepad is like dragging out every tool I have just to change a lightbulb.

For making, auto-saving and 'sleeping' notes give Stickies a try. You won't be disappointed. You can get a Portable Stickies too. If you go down the Portable route then be sure to always use the file StickiesPortable.exe to launch Stickies — if you don't do that it causes problems.