Windows 10: Paint cannot read this file, This is not a valid bitmap file

​

Microsoft Paint is a graphics editor that allows users to use its tools to edit images quickly and save them in almost every format. Some users have reported that they experience some errors when opening, uploading, or editing files in MS Paint. In this article, we will look at ways to fix Paint cannot read […]

This article Paint cannot read this file, This is not a valid bitmap file first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

read more...

 

Paint will not open a large high resolution bitmap.

I created a blank bitmap file and resized and resampled it to 300 DPI and 13,200 x 13,200 pixels (44x44 inches). The first time I opened the bitmap in Paint, it loaded fine. I made no changes to the file and closed it. Then, I tried to reopen it and Paint
gave me the message: "Paint cannot read this file. This is not a valid bitmap file, or its format is not currently supported." I need Paint to be able to work with large bitmaps, can someone help?

 

Paint won't open valid file types over 1200x1200 resolution

MS Paint won't open certain valid file types over a certain size resolution.

If I scan something to .png, .jpg or .bmp at 1200x1200dpi or smaller, MS Paint will open the file fine. However, if I scan to any of those formats at 2400x2400dpi or above I get the error:

"Paint cannot read this file.

This is not a valid bitmap file, or its format is not currently supported."

This is regardless of the file size; e.g. if I scan to jpg at 2400x2400 with a small file size (the scanned image might only be 4MB), MS Paint gives the same error.

See following errors (with scan size info in red):





All of these files open fine in any other image application. This purely has to do with the resolution of the file.

System specs:

• Windows 10 Pro (64bit)
• Intel COre i5 750 @2.66GHz
• 4GB RAM
• OCZ Vertex 4 SSD
• AMD Radeon HD5450 GPU

Other similar threads have suggested running sfc - this did nothing to fix the problem.

C:\WINDOWS\system32>sfc /scannow

Beginning system scan. This process will take some time.

Beginning verification phase of system scan.

Verification 100% complete.

Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

Other similar threads (that may or may not be the same cause):

• Redirecting
• Redirecting
• Redirecting
• "Paint cannot read this file. This is not a valid...
• https://superuser.com/questions/56980/mspaint-problem-this-is-not-a-valid-bitmap-file

Can you please explain why Paint can't open files with dpi's above 1200 or otherwise ask MS to fix it?

***Post moved by the moderator to the appropriate forum category.***

 

Paint cannot read this file This is not a valid bitmap file or its format is not currently supported

Hi Ashwin. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

See if these fixes help:

1) Try running the Store Apps troubleshooter at Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

2) Check if there's an Update for the App in Microsoft Store app, from the Settings at the top right ... three dots, then Updates.

3) If not then try resetting in Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Game Name > Advanced Settings > Reset.

4) If those all fail then try uninstalling at the above location, restart PC, then reinstall it from Microsoft Store Settings > My Library.

5) Try the fixes working for others here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/d...

https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/4...

https://forums.techguy.org/threads/paint-cannot...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...



6) Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then if necessary
continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

7) If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version,
and solves most problems.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly
research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.