Quick Methods to Reduce PST File Size in Outlook to Avoid Oversized PST Error

Nowadays, multiple email clients are used by the users for communication purpose and email management. One of the most frequently used email client used by the users is Outlook. It is integrated with advanced features and functionality which makes it the best pick among the users.

Outlook stores data in PST file format. However, the Outlook users face multiple issues when they are not able to manage large PST files. Sometimes, they also have to face data loss problems. Therefore, in this write-up, we are going to introduce multiple ways using which the users can reduce PST file size in a hassle-free way without any data loss.

Factor Responsable for Large PST File

There are two significant reasons that are very much responsible for the large PST file and here in this section, we are going to discuss in the below section.

• The very first reason is an enormous number of attachments. Because Outlook attachments consume lots of space in your mailbox data.
• The second reason for large PST files is duplicate data items. Because duplicate data items consume the same amount of space as the original ones and this is the reason users facing large PST files.

Issues Faced by the Users due to Large Outlook PST Files

1. Data loss due to large PST file: When the data reaches to the allocated file size of the PST file then there are maximum chances of PST file corruption. If the PST files are corrupted then it can also lead to data loss issue.
2. Degradation in Outlook performance: The speed and efficiency of the Outlook is affected due to the large PST files.
3. Not able to sort data coherently: In Outlook, the complete data is stored in one single PST file. Thus, the user is not able to sort the data according to the specific folder or year wise.

Quick Methods to Reduce PST File Size in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007

Now, we know the reasons as well as the consequences of the large PST file. So, the question is how to reduce the size of the PST file in the minimal time span. So to make things easy here in this section, we are going to introduce one of the amazing tool i.e. SysTools PST File Compress Tool.

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As we have seen that Outlook attachments play a major role in oversized PST files and this tool does the same thing. Basically, the tool gives the option to compress and remove the attachments from Outlook PST. The tool also comes with various features such as File Size, File Type filters, date filter, and categories filter, and also the tool comes with the option to skip duplicate items too.

Now, after knowing about the tool let’s move towards the working of the tool.

Steps of Working

1. First, downlaod and install the software on your system.

2. Once the download is over open the tool and click Add File(s) or Add Folder.

3. Choose the options for attachments.

4. After this choose the destination location.

5. Now, select the categories.

6. And after all the settings click on the Next button and once the task is completed click on the OK button.

Free Manual Methods to Reduce the Size of the PST File

In this section we will discuss the free DIY methods to reduce the size of large PST file. So if you are seeking a free methods, then follow the below instructions.

Method 1: Import and Export Technique to Reduce Size of Mailbox in Outlook

1. First, open MS Outlook on your local machine
2. Now, in the Menu go to File > Account Settings > Select Account Setting
3. A dialog box will appear, here you have to select Data Files tab > Add button
4. In New Outlook Data File dialog box, select Outlook Data File(.pst) and then click on the OK button to create new PST file in the configured system
5. After that, the user can easily view the new PST file in the Data Files tab
6. Now, again go to File > Open > Import. The Import and Export Wizard will appear
7. Here, you have to select the Export option and then click on the Next button
8. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and then click on the Next button
9. Now, in the Export Outlook Data File dialog box, you have to select the desired folder item to Export. To select the subfolder, check the Include SubFolder option
10. Go to the location where new PST file is created to save the Exported File data and then click on the Finish button.
11. You can also protect data by setting up a password. As per your need, you can set the password for the file or cancel it
12. Now, a new PST file is created which the user can easily view in Outlook

Method 2: Move Folder Technique to Reduce Size of Outlook PST File

By creating local new folder and then move data from inbox to newly created will help to reduce PST file size in an efficient manner. Follow below mentioned steps to manage large Outlook PST file.

1. First of all, open MS Outlook on your local machine
2. Navigate to File > New > Outlook Data File
3. A dialog box will appear, here you have to select PST file and then click on the OK button
4. Create Microsoft Personal Folder dialog box will appear. Insert the name of this new PST file
5. Now, select the one or more folder which you want to transfer to the new PST file
6. Go to Edit Menu > click Move to Folder option
7. A Move items dialog box will appear. Click on the New button
8. Create New Folder window will appear. After that, name the folder
9. Now, on Select where to place the folder option, select new PST file > click on the OK button
10. Move the item of new PST in the newly created folder and then click on the OK button

Method 3: Archive Technique to Reduce PST File Size in Outlook 2016/2013/2010

1. Start MS Outlook on your system
2. Select the PST file which you want to move to new PST file
3. Click on the File tab > select Archive
4. Now, a dialog box will appear, here you have to check Archive this folder and all subfolders option
5. After that, you have to select the folders from the list, which you want to move
6. The Archive items older than option will appear. Now, select any data according to your requirements from the calendar
7. Browse the location to save new PST file, name it and then click on the OK button

Conclusion

Outlook is an efficient and reliable email client. However, sometimes Outlook users have to face issues related to PST files. Large PST file leads to multiple issues which can also cause data loss problems. Therefore, it becomes important to divide PST file in Outlook 2016/13/10/07/03. Moreover, it becomes easy for the users to manage small data files. Thus, in the above section, we have explained some reliable methods using which the users can separate PST in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 in a hassle-free