Quick Solutions for the “This is Not a Valid File Name” Error in Outlook Email Sending

Published On - September 28, 2024 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 7 minutes

Microsoft Outlook is one of the ideal and accepted email clients in the world competing with the other types of email clients throughout the globe. However, the users sometimes come across situations where normal usage is interrupted including but not limited to the “This is Not a Valid File Name” error. This error can be very annoying because it results in a waste of time and resources since attachments are not sent or stored as expected. This article will dissect the reason behind this error, conditions that could cause it, and brief actionable steps that will be useful in fixing the error promptly. Additionally, we will explore the automated method of Regain OST Recovery Tool to easily repair the corrupt OST file.

Understanding the “This is Not a Valid File Name” Error

This is a common error message that most Outlook users face especially when they want to attach a file to their mail. It indicates that when a file is attached in an email, there is a restriction in the name of the file or the file has been attached to an area that is further than where it should be. Such an error can come up in instances where users want to attach a file to their emails which is a common practice in the workplace context. Hence the error message reads:
“The file could not be attached because its name is not valid. Please make sure that the file name is valid and try again.”

Common Causes of the “This is Not a Valid File Name” Error

There are plenty of ways that this error may come up as well when applying again the Microsoft Outlook application. Knowing these causes will assist you in selecting the right method to fix the problem. Below are the most common reasons:

Cause 1: Invalid Characters in the File Name

It is known that each program of Windows and Outlook like an internet application has some limitations including the exclusion of certain special characters. For instance, if the file to be attached contains characters such as, /,:, *, ?, “, <, >, | or even these symbols Outlook would give the error prompt that states “This is Not a Valid File Name.”

Cause 2: Exceeding the File Name Length Limit

Outlook, as well as the operating system using Windows, has limitations as to how long a file name and the directory path would be and allows attachments. Windows normally allows a file including the folder path of the file to be up to 260 characters. Obama’s biography would efficiently explain to natives this cutoff length in pictures is called the file and folder naming convention. Should the file name and the path of the folder where the file is stored exceed this length, then there will be an error on Outlook.

Cause 3: Restricted File Types

Additionally, specific file types may not be allowed to be attached because of security-based risks. As an example, email servers refuse to download or send in certain types of files such as .exe, bat, and com to protect and avoid viruses.

Cause 4: Issues with the Attachment’s File Path

Also, if the document is in a folder that has a very long or complicated path, or the regular folder path includes illegal characters, then transmitting the information as an attachment may result in an error within Outlook.

Cause 5: Corrupted Outlook Profile

Another common reason users can attach file problems is a faulty outlook profile. Some problems arise the attaching and sending the files mainly due to profile corruption which hinders the attachment of other supporting files to the email.

Cause 6: Compatibility Issues with Outlook Versions

The error message “This is Not a Valid File Name” can also be caused by using an old version of Outlook or by using incompatible add-ins. Meanwhile, some users updating the installed version of Outlook to the latest one may still face some complications if the obsolete add-ins are still installed physically. However, some client changes help prevent upgrade failure. We are interested in efficient and inexpensive approaches designed to eliminate known causes of failure.

Quick Solutions to Fix this Error

Appropriately, we turn to quick and effective resolution of the problem having studied the common causes. This guide offers some steps to fix this error and be able to use the emailing system without any problems in Outlook.

Fix 1: Check and Rename the File

As previously stated, the use of special characters in the file name also brings about this error. Check the name of the file you want to add and make sure it does not have any of the restricted expressions. Instructions to Change the Document Name: Instructions to Change the Document Name. Let’s see how this can be rectified.

1. Right-click on the file.
2. Select Rename.
3. Remove or replace any special characters with accepted characters like letters, numbers, underscores, or hyphens.
4. Save the file and try attaching it again in Outlook.

Fix 2: Reduce the File Name Length or File Path

Hence, even the so-called Z space will not work. Long file names or paths are a common culprit of these file problems with Most of the Valid File Name errors trapped by the web page setup program. Steps to short file path are: To remedy this, either the file name should be reduced or the file should be relocated nearer to the root directory thus decreasing the total path length. Steps to Shorten the File Path: Steps to Shorten the File Path: Steps to Shorten the File Path:

• Move the file to a shorter directory path, such as moving it from

  `C:\Users\Username\Documents\Work\2024\Reports\Sample.pdf` to `C:\Files\Sample.pdf`.

• Try attaching the file again in Outlook after shortening the file name or path.

Fix 3: Save the File with a Different Extension

If you intend to attach a file with a specific extension such as .exe, or .exe which Outlook might block, you might want to consider changing or zipping the file to a different file type. How to Compress the File:

1. Right-click on the file.
2. Select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
3. Attach the compressed `.zip` file to your email.

If you’re still facing the error, continue with further troubleshooting steps.

Fix 4: Update Microsoft Outlook

If you are using any of the older versions of Microsoft Outlook, it can be very prone to lots of. Including another Show more “This is Not a Valid File Name” problem. Quick fixing Regularly updating this application licensing tech guide ensures that any related bugs or problems with attachment health are fixed. Steps to Update Outlook:

1. Open Outlook and click on File.
2. Select Office Account (or Account if you’re using Microsoft 365).
3. Click on Update Options and choose Update Now.
4. Let the update complete and restart Outlook to see if the issue persists.

Fix 5: Clear the Outlook Cache

After a user has attached a document, Outlook records this action in a cache as part of the document attachment. Occasionally this cache can become corrupted and create errors receiving a document attachment. Steps to Clear the Cache:

• Close Outlook.
• Navigate to the cache folder located at:

  `C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache`

• Delete the contents of the folder.
• Restart Outlook and attempt to attach the file again.

Fix 6: Create a New Outlook Profile

If your Outlook profile is corrupted, creating a new one can eliminate the errors for attachments in the current profile. Steps to Create a New Outlook Profile:

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open the Control Panel and search for Mail.
3. Click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
4. Click on Show Profiles and select Add.
5. Create a new profile, set it as default, and configure your email account.
6. Open Outlook with the new profile and try attaching the file.

Fix 7: Disable Conflicting Add-ins

The functions of Outlook including file attachments are also altered by the Outlook add-ins. Only certain add-ins need to be disabled to fix the issue. Steps to Disable Add-ins:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on File > Options.
3. Select Add-ins from the menu on the left.
4. At the bottom, click on Go next to Manage COM Add-ins.
5. Uncheck any add-ins that seem unnecessary or outdated.
6. Restart Outlook and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 8: Check File Permissions

Make sure that file permissions do not prevent the attachment of the file that you want to include. For example, if the file is defined by permissions as being non-read or non-write for you, then Outlook will not permit this file to be attached. Steps to Check Permissions:

1. Right-click on the file and choose Properties.
2. Go to the Security tab and check your access permissions.
3. If needed, contact the administrator to modify the permissions or try copying the file to another directory.

Preventing Future Attachment Issues in Outlook

To reduce the odds of ever meeting this “This Is Not a Valid File Name” error in the future, practice some of the following:

• Use Simple File Names: When saving files to attach them later in Outlook, do not use special characters and do not use very long file names.
• Keep File Paths Short: Have your files saved far much closer to the root folder to have small manageable file paths.

Regularly scan your system for viruses and malware to keep your files and Outlook safe. Update Outlook Ensure that you are using the latest version of Outlook Scan Your System Periodically review and disable unused or outdated add-ins. Watch for those that have accumulated a fair number over time, which may conflict with each other, or with outlook itself.

Alternate Solution to Fix “This is Not a Valid File Name” Error in Outlook

The Regain OST Recovery Tool is an effective way to resolve Outlook’s “This is Not a Valid File Name” error by repairing corrupt or damaged OST files and letting you save the recovered items in healthy PST format, including all attachments. This makes sure that the file will be smoothly attached without having to encounter errors during email sending.

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The steps to repair the OST file are as follows:

1. Install and launch the OST File Recovery Tool with administrative privileges.
2. Click on the Open button to add the corrupt OST file.
3. Now, select the Files/Folders from the tree structure.
4. Then click on the Export button to convert the OST file to other file formats.

Conclusion

The “This is Not a Valid File Name” error in Outlook can be a frustrating obstacle, particularly when you need to attach important files. However, by understanding the common causes—such as invalid file names, overly long file paths, and Outlook profile issues—and following the quick solutions outlined in this article, you can efficiently resolve the error and continue sending emails without any attachment problems.