File sharing between companies or employees is effortless when using Microsoft Outlook. But downloading a shared file and saving it can turn into an erroneous incident if you see your file name is not valid.
It can be tremendously frustrating, especially when you are in a hurry.
Don’t worry! I also have gone through the same problem and tested all the possibilities to fix This is not a valid file name in the Outlook problem.
In this article, I will provide only 2 definite steps that’ll resolve your file name issue within no time.
Without further delay, let’s begin!
Why does This is Not a Valid File Name Error Occur in Outlook?
The main reason behind This is not a valid file name in Outlook error is manipulating the local Outlook settings file. Besides, it also occurs for additional plugins and broken image files.
Are things getting complicated for you? Let me clear things up a little bit.
Here are the reasons for this is not a valid file name error in Outlook:
Misconfigured Settings
Outlook settings might get manipulated when it receives an unexpected result from a third-party web server to perform the root domain lookup. Outlook tries to authenticate against the advertised POP and IMAP protocols, but the operation fails.
It changes all the default property values and assigns random ones, which blocks the user from verifying files within the system.
Also, you can check out our separate post on, Add Meeting to Outlook Calendar Easily.
Problematic Plugins
Outlook and COM plugins are programs that run within Outlook and execute services. As plugins are separate programs, they can interfere with Outlook functionalities and encounter problems.
As a result, it increases the latency of each event and slows down performance.
Broken Image Files
Image files are uploaded to the server bit by bit. A network issue and accumulation of bad sectors in the media storage block the file from being uploaded to the internet. Images will not be transferred if the source folder location and image tag are also incorrect.
That’s why, when you download broken image files, you will not be able to give them a valid name.
How to Fix This is Not a Valid File Name in Outlook
Fixing up valid file name errors in Outlook is not rocket science. But there still have some steps to solve it. In this article, I will propose two simple steps to resolve valid file name error in Outlook.
Read along to know more about them and how you can settle this issue.
Here are the steps to fix this is not a valid file name error in Outlook:
1. Look at the Email Body
Inspect empty areas of the body to find out if there are any hidden links. If any broken link exists, try to remove it, which will solve your issue.
You can also convert HTML to plain text, removing all the additional formatting and links.
You may also like, how to Add Picture on Outlook Email
2. Check Outlook in Safe mode
Check Outlook in Safe mode by pressing Win+R. That’ll pop up the Run prompt. Type Outlook/safe, and Click on OK.
Besides the above solution, another fix sometimes works around. Follow this article a little bit longer.
Alternative Method
Add-in is a small piece of app-like software that runs inside any application. It is used frequently and provides a limited amount of helpful features. Add-ins are also used as a daily companion for security and case management.
But too many add-ins for different purposes drop the application performance and increase the delay of any operation. So, disabling the unnecessary add-in will help users get rid of this issue.
Here are the steps to follow:
You can get it by going to File > Options > Add-ins.
Just uncheck to disable that you don’t use.
Check out our separate post on how to Microsoft Outlook error 0x80040115.
FAQs
What is an invalid file name?
Don’t start or end your filename with space, period, hyphen, or underline. Keep your filenames to a reasonable length, and be sure they are under 31 characters.
Most operating systems are case sensitive; always use lowercase. Avoid using spaces and underscores; use a hyphen instead.
Why do I get this is not a valid file name?
This issue occurs when you are trying to save a file with invalid characters in the file name. Some characters have special purposes and are not legitimate with file names.
A Final Thought
Now you know how to solve this is not a valid file name error in Outlook.
To sum up, you can quickly fix this error by simply following the steps: looking at the email body, checking Outlook in safe mode and checking Outlook plugins.
I am sure this article has answered all your queries and helped you solve them without any difficulties. Comment below which one resolved your issue.
Peace out!
