When working with WAMP Server 2.1, you might notice that configuration files like httpd.conf and php.ini always open in Microsoft Notepad by default, even if you've associated these file types with Notepad++ in Windows. This happens because WAMP has its own internal file association settings that override your system defaults.

The solution involves editing WAMP's configuration file to point to your preferred text editor. Here's how to do it:

1. Navigate to your WAMP installation directory (typically C:\wamp)
2. Find and open wampmanager.ini in your preferred editor
3. Locate the [Menu] section

Example of what to change:

[Menu.Left]
...
Type: item; Caption: "httpd.conf"; Action: run; FileName: "notepad"; Parameters: "${apacheConfFile}"; Glyph: 5
Type: item; Caption: "php.ini"; Action: run; FileName: "notepad"; Parameters: "${phpIniFile}"; Glyph: 5
...

Modify the above lines to point to Notepad++ instead:

[Menu.Left]
...
Type: item; Caption: "httpd.conf"; Action: run; FileName: "C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe"; Parameters: "${apacheConfFile}"; Glyph: 5
Type: item; Caption: "php.ini"; Action: run; FileName: "C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe"; Parameters: "${phpIniFile}"; Glyph: 5
...

For a more system-wide solution, you can modify the Windows registry to change the default editor for .conf and .ini files:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\conf_auto_file\shell\edit\command]
@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Notepad++\\notepad++.exe\" \"%1\""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\inifile\shell\open\command]
@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Notepad++\\notepad++.exe\" \"%1\""

After making these changes:

• Restart WAMP Server
• Try opening configuration files from WAMP's menu
• Verify they now open in Notepad++

If the changes don't take effect:

• Check the Notepad++ installation path is correct
• Ensure you have proper permissions to edit wampmanager.ini
• Try restarting your computer if WAMP doesn't recognize the changes

Many developers using WAMP Server 2.1 face this frustrating scenario: while we've properly associated .conf and .ini files with Notepad++ in Windows Explorer, WAMP's context menu still insists on opening configuration files in the basic Notepad application. This becomes particularly annoying when frequently editing httpd.conf or php.ini files.

Notepad++ offers essential features for configuration file editing:

• Syntax highlighting for better readability
• Line numbers for precise troubleshooting
• Plugin support for advanced functionality
• Tabbed interface for multi-file editing

The most reliable fix involves modifying Windows Registry entries that control WAMP's default editor behavior:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\wamp\shell\edit\command]
@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Notepad++\\notepad++.exe\" \"%1\""

For 64-bit systems, you might need to modify this additional key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Wow6432Node\wamp\shell\edit\command]
@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Notepad++\\notepad++.exe\" \"%1\""

Some WAMP versions allow editor configuration through the wampmanager.conf file, typically located at:

C:\wamp\wampmanager.conf

Add or modify these lines:

[editor]
editor = "C:/Program Files/Notepad++/notepad++.exe"

After making these modifications:

1. Right-click the WAMP system tray icon
2. Navigate to Apache > httpd.conf
3. The file should now open in Notepad++

If the changes don't take effect:

• Restart WAMP completely (exit and relaunch)
• Check Notepad++ installation path matches your registry entry
• Ensure you have proper permissions to modify registry keys
• Try the 32-bit registry path if 64-bit modification doesn't work

For even faster access, create a desktop shortcut with this target:

"C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe" "C:\wamp\bin\apache\apache2.4.9\conf\httpd.conf"