Avoid Outlook Corruption: Easy Ways to Split Oversized PST Files

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most known email clients to keep track of emails, contacts, calendars and other important information. All of your Outlook information is stored in one data file known as a PST (Personal Storage Table). As emails, attachments and other items accumulate over time, the PST file will gradually expand in file size. When it becomes too large, you can notice slow performance, error messages or Windows data corruption.

To maintain Outlook functioning well, it is important to keep your PST file under control in terms of size. Split oversized PST file into smaller PST files is one of the best ways to avoid data loss and corruption. Below are some safe manual and automated methods to help you split oversized PST files.

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The Dangers of Oversized PST Files

A PST file is the place where Outlook stores everything. This includes everything from your Outlook emails, contacts, notes, calendar items, and more. When the PST file reaches its maximum size limit, you are risk of experiencing:

Slower functionality: Outlook could potentially take longer to open or respond.

Error messages: You can see visible error messages when you send or receive messages.

Corruption: If the PST file reaches an excessive size, it is at risk for corrupting and potentially losing valuable data.

Newer versions of Outlook, like 2010 and above, can support up to 50 GB, but older versions, like 2003 and 2007, have a 20 GB capacity limit. Even with these broader restrictions, performance problems can happen long before the maximum size is reached.

Manual Method to Split a PST File

Outlook offers tools to assist users to split oversized PST files if you would rather not use any third-party applications. Although it can take some time, this method is helpful if you only need to divide the data sometimes. Here's how to do it:

Save Previous Emails

By using Outlook Archive feature, you can reduce the size of older items by moving them to a different PST file.

• Navigate to File > Options > Advanced after opening Outlook.
• Use the Archive button or select AutoArchive Settings.
• Select a time limit; for instance, archive emails that are more than six months or a year old.
• Select where you wish to save the saved PST file.

This generates a new PST file with just the selected older emails in it.

Data Export to a New PST

Selected folders can also be exported to a new PST file.

• Select File > Import/Export > Open & Export.
• Select Outlook Data File (.pst) under Export to a file.
• Select the folders that you want to export.
• The new PST file can be saved anywhere you like.

To generate several PST files with various email or folder sets, repeat this procedure.

Create Multiple PST Files by Manually

Another method is to make multiple PST files and then drag folders or emails into them.

• Click to Home > More Items > New Items > Outlook Data File instead.
• After giving the file a name, save it.
• Drag and drop emails or folders to transport them from the old PST to the new one.

Despite their effectiveness, these techniques might be time-consuming, particularly if your email is quite large. Additionally, human mistake is more likely to occur when items are chosen and moved by manually.

Automated Solution: Expert PST Splitter Tool

A specialized PST splitting tool is the best choice for users who need a faster, safer and more effective process or who have very large PST files. Softaken Split PST is one trustworthy software option.

Split oversized PST files into smaller, easier-to-manage parts with this software without erasing any data. All Outlook versions are compatible with it and even individuals without technical knowledge can easily manage the process due to its intuitive interface.

Key Features:

• Numerous Split Options: To meet varying needs, split by size, year, folder, or date.
• Maintains Data Integrity: Contacts, formatting, emails, and attachments all stay the same.
• All Outlook Versions Are Supported: Both ANSI and Unicode PST files can be used with it.
• It is not necessary to have Outlook installed on your computer in order to split PST files.

How It Works:

• Launch the app after installing it.

• To split a large PST file, add it.

• Select a splitting option, such as by date, size, folder, or year.
• Choose the new files' destination path.

• Launch the procedure and let the application work to produce multiple smaller PST files.

It simply takes a few minutes to complete, depending on how big the PST file is. No emails or attachments are lost, and the possibility of corruption is eliminated.

Which Is Better, Manual or Automated?

Manual Method: Effective when the PST file is not very big and for limited usage. It does, however, take time and careful consideration.

Automated Tool: Perfect for multiple or oversized PST files. Time is saved, effort is decreased, and sophisticated choices for risk-free splitting are offered.

Tips to Keep PST Files Healthy

It is important to keep your PST files in good condition even after splitting them:

• Delete pointless emails and archive outdated ones on a regular basis.
• Empty the Deleted Items and Junk folders frequently.
• Maintain backups of your most important PST files.
• Large attachments should be saved on your PC or in cloud storage rather than in Outlook.

In conclusion,

Oversized PST files can cause data loss, performance problems and Outlook corruption. You can easily prevent these issues by dividing your PST file into smaller, easier to manage sections. If you have the time and patience & you can use the built in manual methods in Outlook. The procedure is made simpler and your data is protected with a professional PST splitting tool, which offers a quicker, safer and more effective solution.

You can maintain flawless and worry free Outlook performance for many years to come by maintaining your PST files at a manageable size and according to proper email management procedures.