Fix: Error Outlook File is Not a Valid File – Expert Verified

Sometimes most of the Outlook users are not able to access or fetch PST data files, then it means that there are some errors or bugs in their Outlook PST files. The path supplied for the file Outlook.pst is not valid, they received an invalid path error notice on their screen. If you are one of them who is searching for a solution for that, here you will get the solution. 

Outlook error if the path specified for the PST file is not valid is encountered when the user opens the Outlook application. The issue commonly happens when a PST file is relocated to an incorrect location or when the file is destroyed or corrupted.

Microsoft Outlook, when configured with a POP account, stores all the mailbox items and settings for the associated user profile in a (PST) personal storage table in your system. As a result, when you modify the data file’s location or when the PST file is corrupted.

Possible reasons for Getting Error – Outlook File is Not a Valid File 

• Where the Outlook data file gets corrupted 
• Inappropriate export and import of PST files
• Using the same network to share information with multiple users
• When the location of the PST file is altered or the file is unintentionally or intentionally deleted.
• The PST file is moved from the original location, but the exact location where it is moved is not known. 
• PSt files get corrupted due to its large size. 

After knowing the root causes of the error, let’s dive into its solution. 

Manual Solutions to Fix Error Outlook PST file is not a Valid PST File 

There are multiple manual ways to troubleshoot the error: the path specified for the file.pst is not valid in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003. 

Solution 1: Restore Deleted Items From Recycle Bin | Native Solution 

When the Outlook PST file is accidentally deleted then you can restore those deleted items from the recycle bin and fix the specified path for the file .pst is not valid Outlook. 

• Go to the Recycle Bin Folder. 
• Locate the Outlook PST file. 
• Verify that the PST file has been restored to its original location. 
• Now, close all opened windows and start the MS Outlook application. 
• Import your PST in the current profile. 

Solution 2: Make the Default PST File the Original PST File 

Sometimes PST files are removed by the users, in that case, users must know the current location. For this follow the steps carefully: 

• Firstly, go to the control panel >> click mail. 
• Click on Data files >you will receive the same error message that you get opening Outlook. 
• Click OK and then cancel to continue. 
• Choose the PST file you want to use as the default and make it the default.
• Restart MS Outlook after deleting the current PST file.

Solution 3: Use ScanPST.exe Utility 

In order to fix the path specified for the file .pst is not a valid Outlook error, users can try an inbox repair tool known as ScanPST.exe. Follow these instruction to run the tool: 

• First, depending on your Outlook version, look for ScanPST.exe.
• Double-click it once you’ve found it to start it.
• After it has properly launched, a window will appear on your screen where you must enter the name of the PST file.
• To select desired PST files, click the Browse option.
• Then, to begin the Repair procedure, click the Start button.
• If any errors are discovered in Outlook, you must click the fix option. 

However, if you’ve tried all of these manual methods to resolve the problem and none of them have worked, Then your Outlook PST file has been severely damaged or corrupted. S, in that case, you’ll need to fix the corrupted data with a third-party solution.

After all of this, the ScanPST still does not work. Then, in such cases, we suggest taking help from the reliable utility SysTools Best and Reliable PST Repair Tool. This software is a highly recommended tool for repairing corrupted PST files; it is safe and can fix both small and major file corruption.

Capable of recovering data from an inaccessible PST even without resulting in any kind of data loss. If your PST file is password protected or emails are SMMIE or OpenPGP encrypted then, the software will repair it without any hassle in just a few minutes. 

Last Words 

In this technical write-up, we have discussed the various solutions to fix errors. The Outlook file is not a valid PST file. We compare manual and automated solutions to fix this error. So, you can select any of the solutions as per your need.

Also Read: How to Backup Outlook emails to Onedrive manually and by using a professional solution