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Directory Name Invalid error

Anonymous
2021-03-02T00:34:23+00:00

Every time i try to open any file on my desktop (word files, pdfs, etc) the error message "The directory name is invalid" appears. Most of the time this issue appears with external drives and USB and not with the actual computer's drive itself. I have tried updating the drive but it says it is up to date. Also, the beginning of the error message code is C:.

I am able to open the files from the file explorer.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-03-02T01:23:44+00:00

    Hello, Emily!

    Are you all right?

    Hope so!

    I'm Rickson, an Independent Advisor, and I'm here to try to help you in the better way I could.

    I'm very sorry for the inconvenience.

    It may occur due to multiple reasons such as corrupt system files, faulty applications/software, and corrupt devices like USB, HDD, SD, or DVD, etc. This error prevents you from accessing your data stored on the system or drives. However, you may get back access to the data with the help of a data recovery tool.

    Try the following methods and check if it helps:

    Method 1:

    I suggest you to run check disk on the hard drive to see if there are any corruptions.

    Follow the below steps:

    Windows key + X, click Command Prompt (Admin).

    Command Prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

    chkdsk /f

    Disclaimer: While performing check disk on the hard drive, if any bad sectors are found then check disk will try to repair that sector. Any data available on a bad sector might be lost.

    Once Check Disk completes, boot the computer and then check.

    If the issue persists then follow the below method.

    Method 2:

    Perform a Clean Boot and find out which application/service is causing this issue.

    A clean boot helps to eliminate software conflicts and to determine what is causing the problem. Perform a clean boot on the computer by following the steps given in the link:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

    Note: The steps for Windows 8.1 applies to Windows 10.

    Disclaimer: Please go through the section: How to reset the computer to start as usual after troubleshooting with clean boot of the Kb article to boot the computer in normal startup after fixing the issue.

    Reference: Refer to the following Microsoft article on

    Windows 10 help & how-to.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/s...

    Kindly let me know if you need any further assistance with Windows. I will be glad to assist you.

    Thank you.

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