Cant Open TXT File in VSC: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you facing difficulties in opening a TXT file in Visual Studio Code (VSC)? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue, and it can be quite frustrating. In this article, I will provide you with a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Issue

Before we proceed, it’s essential to understand why you can’t open a TXT file in VSC. There could be several reasons for this, such as file corruption, incorrect file associations, or outdated VSC version. Identifying the root cause will help us find the most suitable solution.

Checking for File Corruption

One of the most common reasons for not being able to open a TXT file in VSC is file corruption. Here’s how you can check for file corruption:

1. Right-click on the TXT file and select “Properties.”
2. Go to the “Previous Versions” tab.
3. Check if there are any previous versions of the file available. If yes, you can restore the file from a previous version.
4. If there are no previous versions, try opening the file in another text editor or text viewer to see if it’s readable.

Correcting File Associations

Incorrect file associations can also prevent you from opening a TXT file in VSC. Here’s how to fix this issue:

1. Right-click on the TXT file and select “Open with.”
2. Choose “Choose another app” and then “More apps.”
3. Scroll down and select “Notepad,” or any other text editor you prefer.
4. Check the box that says “Always use this app to open .txt files.” Click “OK” to save the changes.

Updating Visual Studio Code

Outdated versions of VSC may not support certain features or may have bugs that cause issues while opening TXT files. Here’s how to update VSC:

1. Open VSC.
2. Go to the “Help” menu and select “Check for Updates.” If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
3. Restart VSC after the update is complete.

Using a Different Text Editor

If the above solutions don’t work, you can try opening the TXT file in a different text editor. Here are a few popular options:

Conclusion

Opening a TXT file in Visual Studio Code can sometimes be challenging, but with the right approach, you can resolve the issue. By checking for file corruption, correcting file associations, updating VSC, and using a different text editor, you should be able to open your TXT file without any problems. If you still face difficulties, consider seeking help from the VSC community or support forums.