View text files without Opening them

Hi

An old version of WordPerfect that I used had the ability to view text
files without opening them As far as I can tell, Word 2003 doesn't have
this ability.

The reason I would like it is this: I have a number of text files that,
when I try to open them, I get a "Can't Open, try web for appropriate
program.' This never comes up with anything.

Is there a program that could read the text files, even if it can't open
them. Usually I just want to see what's in the file.

Many thanks

What is the file extension for these files?

Also depends on whether you are looking for a standalone exe vs a VB/VBA program that you are trying to develop.