Quick Guide: What to do if a PST file reaches maximum size?

Microsoft Outlook stores emails, contacts, and other data in a PST (Personal Storage Table) file. However, these files have size limitations. When a PST file reaches its maximum size, Outlook may slow down, freeze, or even become inaccessible. To ensure smooth performance, you need to break large PST files into smaller parts. This guide will explore effective methods to divide oversized Outlook PST files and maintain data integrity.

Why Do PST Files Become Too Large?

• Email Overload: Regularly receiving and storing emails with attachments increases file size.
• Long-Term Usage: PST files accumulate data over time, leading to oversized files.
• No Maintenance: Lack of periodic cleanups and archiving results in excessive file growth.

Methods to Split Large PST Files

1. Use Outlook’s Archive Feature

One of the easiest ways to manage large PST files is by archiving old emails. Follow these steps:

1. Open Outlook and go to File > Options > Advanced.
2. Click on AutoArchive Settings and define the retention period.
3. Select a folder to save the archived data and click OK.

This method helps move older emails to a separate PST file, reducing the primary file’s size.

2. Manually Create Multiple PST Files

Another approach to divide large PST files is by manually creating separate PSTs. Here’s how:

1. Open Outlook and navigate to File > New > Outlook Data File.
2. Choose Outlook PST file and set a name for the new file.
3. Move emails, contacts, and other data into the new PST file.

Although this method provides control over the organization, it requires significant manual effort.

3. Use the Compact Now Feature

Outlook’s Compact Now feature removes unused space from your PST file, reducing its size. Follow these steps:

• Open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.

• Select the Data Files tab, choose your PST file, and click Settings.

• Under the General tab, click Compact Now.

While this can help, it won’t split the file into smaller parts.

4. Using a Automate PST file splitter tool

For a seamless and automated solution, the MailsDaddy PST Split Tool is an excellent choice. This advanced tool efficiently divides large PST files into smaller parts while preserving data integrity.

Key Features of MailsDaddy PST Splitter

• Supports both ANSI and UNICODE PST files.
• Preserves folder structure and email properties.
• Provides multiple splitting options (by size, date, email ID, folder)
• Works with password-protected PST files.
• Compatible with all Outlook and Windows versions.

Step- by-step working process of this PST Break Tool

1. Install and launch the MailsDaddy PST Splitter.
2. Click Add PST to import the large PST file.
3. Choose the splitting criteria (size, date, email ID, or folder).
4. Set the destination folder for the divided PST files.
5. Click Start to begin the process.

Within minutes, your large PST file will be divided into manageable parts without data loss.

Why majority of users choose MailsDaddy PST break tool?

• Easy to Use: Simple UI with no technical expertise required.
• 100% Data Integrity: No risk of corruption or loss.
• Fast Processing: Splits large PST files quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

When a PST file reaches its maximum size, Outlook performance declines, leading to errors and corruption risks. To avoid this, users can archive old emails, manually move data, or use a PST splitter tool like MailsDaddy PST Split Tool for a seamless experience. Among all methods, using a professional PST file splitter is the most effective way to break large PST files while preserving data integrity.

If you want an efficient way to divide oversized Outlook PST files, use MailsDaddy PST Split Tool. It also offers a demo version to check all its working process and functionality before purchasing. With demo version you can break first 20 items per folder without any hassle.

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