How to Solve Error 1324 in Windows – The Folder Path Contains an Invalid Character

Are you trying to install new software into windows and receiving Error 1234? Generally this error occur while someone trying to install new software and the folder where the installer is going to make some change is having invalid path, you will receive any of the error message mentioned below:

• The folder path ‘program files (x86)’ contains an invalid character
• Error 1324 the path my documents or the volume is invalid
• Error 1324 the path my documents contains an invalid character
• Error 1324 the path my pictures contains an invalid character

Here the folder name will be different from My Documents to Temp, to Program files or anything with the invalid path and will issue Error 1234.

As Windows is one of the most popular operating system, chances are more people will see this error. Based upon our work functions, often we need to install an application on our desktops and laptops in Windows. This is when we encounter with the “Error 1324 saying The Folder Path is containing an Invalid Character“. This is generally triggered by an unacceptable character in the “User Profile”. Here are three ways to solve and overcome this error. Try them and save the charges to be paid to a person for fixing this it.

Method #1 – Install your software in the name of a Different Profile:

Logout from the current user profile you are using and try to install the software in different profile. Here is the brief process to follow if you want to install the software using different profile:

• Hold the Windows Key with pressing “R” on the keyboard to spew the Run dialog.
• Type “logoff”, and enter.
• Try logging in with another user (if accessible). In case you don’t have another account, strive to make another user profile.
• Try installing the software once more.

You can follow the same process by clicking on start menu and log off button. If you want to create new user, goto control penal and create one.

Method #2 – Repair Affected Folders Parth through Registry

• Hold the Windows Key with pressing “R” on the keyboard to spew the Run dialog.
• Type “regedit” and enter, you will be prompt to Registry Editor.
• Circumnavigate to the succeeding location in the Windows Registry:
• CurrentVersion
• Explorer
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER
• Microsoft
• Shell Folders
• Software
• Windows
• Assess the “Personal” value and validate that the Value data is set to “C:\Users\<username>\Documents”. where it states<username> would be your real username. For instance, if you username is “UserName”, you would require the value to say “C:\Users\username\Documents”
• Shut the Registry Editor, and then start over desktop/laptop.
• Try installing the software once more.

If you still having the same issue, try the below method which I personally tested and worked perfectly fine.

Way #3 – Eliminate Invalid Character from Registry

Microsoft offers a suggestion that states to eliminate the invalid character from the registry if you know what the invalid character is.

• Hold the Windows Key with pressing “R” on the keyboard to spew the Run dialog.
• Type “regedit” and enter, you will be prompt to Registry Editor.
• Choose “Edit” > “Find”.
• Input the invalid character in the “Find What” box, then pick “Find Next”.
• You will see the value where the invalid character is found. Mostly there will the path of the folder where you are installing the software. Edit the path with valid URL and save it.
• Hold F3 for carry onto another search

Once your search result doesn’t give any data, close RegEdit and restart your computer. Now you can install the software without facing an issue. Follow these ways and you would be through the problem. Share your comments and views in the comment box below. You are also open to suggest another ways to solve the problem.

Note: Please make sure to take backup of your registry file before you make any changes.