This is not a valid file name

For those who see This is not a valid file name error in Outlook when sending e-mail, then this publish suggests some helpful fixes. Microsoft Outlook has been the popular e-mail shopper for Home windows for companies everywhere in the world. Regardless of being loaded with options, it’s comparatively straightforward to make use of. Nonetheless, you’re more likely to encounter errors whereas utilizing Outlook on Home windows. This is not a valid file name is one such error that you could be encounter in your Home windows 11/10 PC whereas sending an e-mail. You may additionally see this error whenever you try to reply to or ahead an e-mail in a given mail thread.

The error says:

This is not a valid file name.

Attempt a number of of the next:
*Test the trail to verify it was typed appropriately.
*Choose a file from the listing of recordsdata and folders.

This publish describes some helpful fixes that may assist resolve this error.

This is not a valid file name, Outlook when sending e-mail

We recommend the next fixes should you get This is not a valid file name error in Outlook when sending e-mail:

1. Take away invalid particular characters from the file name.
2. Take away hidden/damaged hyperlinks from the physique textual content.
3. Run Microsoft Assist & Restoration Assistant.
4. Run Outlook in Protected mode and disable add-ins.
5. Restore Outlook Knowledge recordsdata.

Allow us to see these options intimately.

1] Take away invalid particular characters from the file name

For those who’ve hooked up a file with the e-mail, be sure that the filename doesn’t comprise any particular characters that aren’t supported by Outlook.  Ahead slash (/), backward slash (), pipe (|), and colon (:) are a few of the characters which are not a part of Outlook’s file naming conference. Take away such characters from the file name and see if it fixes the difficulty.

Additionally, examine the name of the drive within the file path. If it comprises any particular characters, save the file in a totally different drive after which strive sending the mail. In case your e-mail doesn’t embrace any attachments and you continue to see the error, consult with the subsequent options within the listing.

2] Take away hidden/ damaged hyperlinks from the physique textual content

If the mail physique comprises any hidden or damaged picture hyperlinks, Outlook could throw this error. Convert the mail HTML into plain textual content by switching to the Format Textual content tab after which deciding on the Aa Plain Textual content possibility. Fixing damaged or hidden hyperlinks could doubtlessly repair the difficulty.

3] Run Microsoft Assist & Restoration Assistant

Microsoft’s Assist & Restoration Assistant helps in fixing points that customers encounter regularly whereas utilizing Outlook on their Home windows 11/10 PC.

1. Obtain and Set up the Assist & Restoration assistant in your PC.
2. Launch the assistant and choose Outlook as the appliance that wants troubleshooting.
3. Then click on on the Subsequent button.
4. Choose Different Issues from the listing of points and once more click on on the Subsequent button.
5. Log into your Workplace 365 account and permit the Assist & Restoration Assistant to repair the difficulty. You may additionally run the Superior Diagnostics in case the above possibility gained’t assist.

4] Run Outlook in Protected mode and disable add-ins

If the above options don’t work, strive working Outlook in Protected Mode and disable add-ins. An outdated model of an add-in software program could generally battle with Outlook and trigger it to throw errors.

1. Manually begin Outlook in Protected mode.
2. Select your default profile when Outlook prompts you to decide on one.
3. Then go to File > Choices > Add-Ins.
4. Choose COM Add-Ins within the Handle dropdown on the backside and click on on the Go button.
5. Within the listing of Add-Ins, clear all of the checkboxes and click on on OK.
   Notice: Do not click on on the ‘Remove’ button. For those who achieve this, you might unintentionally delete the COM add-ins in case you have administrator rights. These add-ins lengthen the capabilities of Outlook by including the specialised characteristic.
6. Exit Outlook.
7. Run Outlook usually and attempt to resend the e-mail. If the error doesn’t seem this time, one of many add-ins was the supply of the error.
8. Re-enable add-ins as soon as the error is resolved.

5] Restore Outlook Knowledge recordsdata

The difficulty may seem if there’s one thing fallacious with the Outlook Knowledge recordsdata (.pst & .ost). These recordsdata save messages and different Outlook objects (corresponding to calendar occasions) domestically in your PC. If these recordsdata comprise any corrupt entries, fixing them could resolve the difficulty. You should use the Inbox Restore instrument (SCANPST.EXE) to restore corrupt Outlook PST & OST knowledge recordsdata.

Learn Subsequent: How to repair the Inbox Folder in Outlook.

How do I repair an invalid file name?

To repair the not a valid file name error, you need to take away all particular characters from the name of the file that aren’t valid in Outlook. Additionally, search for any areas earlier than or after the file name. Hold it quick and easy. If that doesn’t assist, strive different troubleshooting suggestions listed on this publish.

What does invalid file name imply?

A file name is mentioned to be invalid if it comprises particular characters which are not supported by Outlook. Preserving the file name to a affordable size (below 255 characters together with path name) and avoiding particular characters corresponding to colon (:), slash (/,), and so forth., makes it valid in Outlook