Windows 10: "Invalid file path" and how to retrieve missing ms paint files

Hello! Something wierd happened, so I already saved two ms paint files, saved them inside a new folder for safe keeping yada yada, but when i saved a new piece a third time, the folder disappeared along with the first and second ms paint files i created. It still existed when i checked the 'recent tab' in ms paint but when i clicked on it, it said smth like "invalid file path". Sadly, its not in 'recent' anymore because i kept searching for it and clicked on other mspaint pngs. Swear i didn't delete that folder, and i tried checking the trashbin. Is there a way to find the missing files? Than

:)

 

Recent File List

Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file1

Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file2
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file3
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file4
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file5
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file6
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file7
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file8
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file9
...

you get the idea. ( too lazy to put it in a for loop and test it.

or just open regedit and remove all the fileX from that key.

 

MS Paint Recent Files

Here s a partial solution. Works for Windows 10 as well.

Paint - Delete Recent Pictures from List in Windows - Windows 7 Help Forums

This will clear it but of not disable list ie you would have to do again later etc.

 

MS Paint not working

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand the concern as you are unable to use Microsoft Paint on your PC. In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below:

• What is the Version and Build of Windows 10 installed on the PC? (Type
  winver in Windows search/Run command)
  
• Are you aware of any changes on the PC prior to this issue?

In this scenario, we would suggest you to check if you are able to launch Microsoft Paint from System32 folder.

1. Press Windows + E key to open
   File/Windows Explorer
   
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32
   
3. Double click on mspaint.exe
   
4. If you are able to launch then Pin to Taskbar and
   create a shortcut.

If the issue persists then try these steps.



Step 1: Run DISM & SFC scan

We would also suggest you to run the DISM & SFC Scan tool to check if you are able to launch MS Paint, refer this article:
System File Checker.



Step 2: Reinstall Microsoft Paint app.

1. Press Windows + I key to open
   Settings.
   
2. Click on Apps and select
   Apps & features from left pane.
   
3. Click on Optional features and select
   Microsoft Paint from the list.
   
4. Click on Uninstall. Close
   Settings and restart the PC.
   
5. Now perform step 1 and 2.
   
6. Click on Optional features and click
   Add a feature.
   
7. Check the box beside Microsoft Paint and click on
   Install.

Let us know the results. If the issue persists, we will certainly assist you further.



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator