While attempting to open the MS Outlook application, you may at times receive an error that mentions that the path specified for the file is not valid. In this article, we have listed four effective ways to address this issue.
Most experienced Outlook users are aware of the fact that Outlook stores all its data in a PST file when they are using it without an Exchange backend. This is typically the case when we access Gmail or Yahoo Mail using the POP3 protocol. In some cases, the underlying PST file can get moved by mistake or the data file may get corrupted. When you then try to launch the Outlook application, this may result in an error message that mentions the path specified for the file is not valid. Let’s look at four effective ways to rectify the issue.
#1. Verify the Path of the PST File and Fix it if Needed
Depending on the version of the Outlook desktop client you are running, the PST data file can be present at different locations. To locate the data file, follow the steps listed below
- In the Windows Search Bar (Run Box) type in Control Panel
- Launch the Control Panel app and type in Mail in the Search box
- Click on Mail to launch the Mail Setup – Outlook screen
- Now click on Data Files and hit on Open File Location option
- Check if the PST file is present in its specified location or it has got moved.
If the file is present, head to the next listed solution. In case the file is not there, you can use the Windows Search function to locate the file. If you are able to discover the PST file, just copy it and paste it into its original location, and restart the Outlook application.#2. Recover the Contents of the PST File in Case the File Path is Correct
If you are able to locate the PST in the specified path, there is a significant chance that the PST data file has got corrupted. To resolve the issue, you need to recover the contents of the corrupted PST file by using a formidable recovery application like DataNumen Outlook Repair. Once the recovery process is completed, back up the original file, then replace it with the recovered PST file.
#3. Build a New Outlook Profile
Even after recovering the PST file, if you still get the invalid path error message, you should consider creating a new Outlook profile. To do so, just perform the steps listed on the Microsoft Support site. Once a new profile has been created, please set up the Outlook path manually.
#4. Run the System Restore Feature to Get Back to a Previous Working State
There may be some odd cases where after trying out all the steps listed above, you still might be experiencing the same error. In such a scenario, you need to run the System Restore feature present in your Windows operating system and revert the system to a date when Outlook was working without any issues. It is important to note that when you perform a System Restore, all applications installed after the restore point date will get removed.
