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0x8007007BSystemMedium

Error 0x8007007B — Invalid Name (ERROR_INVALID_NAME) | Windows System Error Fix

Windows 11Windows 10Windows Server 2022Windows 8.1

What Does 0x8007007B Mean?

The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.

Real-World Causes

  1. 1File name contains characters not allowed by Windows
  2. 2Network path uses incorrect UNC format
  3. 3Path contains embedded null characters or other control characters
  4. 4Trailing spaces or periods in file names

Symptoms

  • ⚠Cannot create, open, or access a file with certain names
  • ⚠Network path access fails with invalid name
  • ⚠Application fails to save with specific file names
  • ⚠Windows activation fails with this error when KMS name is invalid

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

  1. 1Remove invalid characters from the file name: \ / : * ? " < > |
  2. 2Check UNC paths use the correct format: \\server\share
  3. 3Avoid trailing spaces or periods in file names
  4. 4For activation issues, verify the KMS server name is correct

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

  1. 1Use '\\?\' prefix to access files with unusual names for cleanup
  2. 2For activation: 'slmgr /skms correct-kms-hostname' to fix the server name

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows activation give this error?
Error 0x8007007B during activation usually means the KMS server name is incorrect or contains invalid characters. Verify the KMS hostname with your IT department and set it correctly using 'slmgr /skms hostname'.

Related Error Codes

0x80070003Path Not Found (ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND)0x800700CEFilename Too Long (ERROR_FILENAME_EXCED_RANGE)

About the Author

Windows Troubleshooting Team

Verified against official Microsoft documentation and real-world diagnostic data. Error behavior confirmed across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.