title: npm install <node_module> --save not updating dependencies
body: <pre><code>    &lt;=== To anyone experiencing the same issue reinstalling the computer works ===&gt;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I've had to reinstall my computer, had to reinstall Node and NPM and don't know what's gone wrong and it's driving me crazy. </p>
  
  <p>I'm on a Windows 10 64-bit computer, I run <code>npm init</code> and it works fine. I can install dependencies with no trouble, both locally and globally, but using <code>npm install &lt;node_module&gt; --save</code> doesn't update my <code>package.json</code> file with dependencies.</p>
  
  <p>I've reinstalled both npm and node, no change.<br>
  I've tried running cmd as administrator, nothing.<br>
  I've restarted the computer too, still nothing.</p>
  
  <p>If anyone knows how to solve this, please help. I'm desperate!  </p>
  
  <p>Update #1: when installing some modules I see that they create .cmd files in my project folder, if this is a clue, haven't experienced that before</p>
  
  <p>Update #2:
  Just created a fresh install using <code>npm init</code> and then tried <code>npm install express --save</code> and this is the package.json file:</p>
  
  <pre><code>  {  
      "name": "test",  
      "version": "1.0.0",  
      "description": "",  
      "main": "index.js",  
      "scripts": {  
        "test": "echo \"Error: no test specified\" &amp;&amp; exit 1"  
      },  
      "keywords": [],  
      "author": "",  
      "license": "ISC"  
    }
  </code></pre>