Outlook users, both personal and business, need to be able to manage their emails well. The inbox gets bigger with time, and the PST file that stores Outlook data often gets too big. Outlook can operate slowly, have performance problems, or even lose files if the PST file is too big. To make sure Outlook works well and to protect data from getting corrupted, you can split the PST file into smaller, more manageable sections. This guide will explain why you could require splitting large PST files, how to do it manually, and how professional software can help.
Why You Should Split Large PST Files
When Outlook PST files get too big, a lot of things might go wrong. Older versions of Outlook only work with ANSI PST files that are no bigger than 2 GB. It is possible to use Unicode PST files with limits of at least 50 GB in modern versions of Outlook. Still, it can be hard to deal with a file that big. Large PST files can make searches take longer, emails take longer to send or receive, computers freeze and even cause data loss. By breaking these files up into smaller ones, you lower these dangers, make it easier to find data and speed things up.
Ways to Manually Split PST Files
Outlook does not have a built-in way to split PST files, but there are various indirect ways to get comparable effects. Here are the most popular manual methods.
Method 1: Move Mailbox Data to New PST Files
- Launch Outlook on your computer.
- Click on Options in the File menu.
- Click on Advanced and then Export.
- Click "Export to a File" in the Import and Export Wizard.
- Select PST Outlook Data File and then click Next.
- Select the folders you want to export and, if necessary, set up filters.
- On your computer, save the file you exported as a new PST.
- Do the same thing for other folders or time periods until you have a lot of smaller PST files.
You can manually partition data by making numerous smaller PSTs for different folders or times with this method.
Method 2: Save Old Mailbox Items
- Open Outlook and click on the File menu.
- Choose Options and then Advanced.
- Select AutoArchive Settings or Clean Up Old Items manually.
- Set a date range for moving old emails to a new PST file.
- Keep the updated PST file in a different place.
You can split the mailbox into smaller portions by date using archiving. You can keep old stuff in one PST file and new items in the main file.
Method 3: Use the Move to Folder option
- To make a fresh blank PST file in Outlook, go to File, Account Settings and Data Files.
- Add a new Outlook Data File to your profile.
- Choose the folders or objects you want to relocate.
- Click the right mouse button and pick "Move to Folder." Then select the new PST file.
You can split data into several PST files this way, as many times as you choose.
Problems with manual methods
The methods above work, although they do have some problems. They take a lot of time and work, especially if the PST file is big. In rare circumstances, manually dividing can not keep the exact folder structure. There is also a greater chance of losing crucial objects when moving or exporting. Also, people who do not understand much about technology can find these instructions hard to follow.
How to Split Large PST Files Like a Pro
It is advised to use a professional PST splitting tool for a more straightforward and dependable method. To swiftly divide PST files while maintaining folder structure, metadata and attachments a specialized tool is made. For instance, users can split large PST files by size, year or folder using the Softaken Split PST Tool. It supports both the ANSI and Unicode PST formats and is compatible with all major Outlook versions. Even for non-technical people & a professional tool makes the process easy to use and removes the possibility of data loss. Additionally it offers a free demo edition to test the software.
Step-by-Step Instructions with a Professional Tool
- Install and start the Softaken Split PST Tool on your computer.
- Add the large PST file you want to split
- Select the splitting method that best meets your needs as by folder size or year.
- Define the location in the path where smaller PST files are saved.
- Start the process and allow the tool to create new PST files
Without the trouble of intricate manual procedures and you will quickly have smaller & easier-to-manage PST files.
In conclusion
Large Outlook PST files are a common problem that can reduce effectiveness and put data at risk of corruption. You can split large PST files manually using methods like exporting, archiving or transferring things, even if Outlook does not offer a direct option for doing so. These techniques, however can be tedious and filled with mistakes. A professional tool offers a safe and effective way to divide PST files without losing any data. You can enhance data organization, lower the chance of corruption and guarantee Outlook runs well by breaking up the mailbox into smaller sections.
You must be logged in to post a comment.