How to Fix the File System Error (-2015294522) in Windows?

The File System error (-2015294522) typically occurs when attempting to access text documents through Notepad. Although this error can appear under various scenarios, it primarily arises during text document access.

This error is relatively uncommon and may be triggered by a range of factors, including corrupted system files, issues with Notepad itself, an incorrectly set region, or an outdated Windows operating system.

With the potential causes in mind, let’s delve into the solutions to resolve this issue.

1. Change Your Region

Many users have successfully resolved this error by changing their region settings. If your current region setting is incorrect, making an adjustment may resolve the error message.

1. Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
2. From the left pane, select Time & Language.
   
3. In Language & Region, ensure the region is set to the United States, regardless of your actual location.
4. Check if the error persists after changing your region.

2. Run SFC Command

Corrupted system files can be the culprit for this error, but they can be repaired by using the System File Checker (SFC) command. This utility restores or fixes corrupted system files and can be complemented by the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands, which are used to repair Windows images.

1. Type Command Prompt in the Start Menu and open it.
2. Launch Command Prompt as administrator by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
   
3. Enter the command: sfc /scannow to initiate the repair of system files.
4. Follow this with the DISM command:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

5. After executing both commands, verify if the error has been resolved.

3. Reset or Repair Notepad

1. Launch Settings in Windows and navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Search for the Notepad application.
3. Click the three dots next to Notepad and select Advanced Options.
4. Navigate to the Reset section and click Repair.
5. If the issue continues, click Reset.
   
6. Check to see if the problem is resolved. If not, proceed to the next steps.

4. Reinstall Notepad

1. Use Win + I to open Windows Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
   
3. Enter Notepad in the Search Bar.
4. Click the three dots next to Notepad and then select Uninstall.
   
5. Following the uninstallation, search for Windows Notepad in the Microsoft Store, and reinstall it.
   
6. After installation, verify if the error has been addressed.

5. Use an Older Version of Notepad

If the error remains unresolved, consider using the classic version of Notepad or alternative text editors such as WordPad or Notepad++.

1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
2. You can access the classic Notepad at the following file paths:

   c:\windows\system32\notepad.exe
   c:\windows\notepad.exe

3. Navigate to one of the above directories and launch Notepad.
   
4. To open a file, click File at the top of Notepad and select Open.
   
5. If the classic Notepad is missing, it may need to be installed manually. Start by searching for Optional Features in the Start Menu.
   
6. Locate Notepad in the Optional Features window, click the dropdown icon, and then select Install.
   
7. With installation complete, you can begin using the classic version of Notepad.