How to Split Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts?
When the size of Outlook PST files exceeds the maximum size limit, users face many problems, such as data loss, data corruption, being unable to open and close PST files, and more. To reduce PST file size, manage PST files, and avoid all these problems, you just need to divide large PST files. In this blog, we are going to show you the step-by-step method of split Outlook PST file into smaller parts. So, let’s start…
MS Outlook stores all its data in a PST file, which is known as the Personal Storage Table. Each version of Outlook has a different format. Outlook 2002 and earlier versions use the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) format, while Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2016, 2019, and 2021 use the UNICODE format. When the size of Outlook PST files exceeds the maximum size limit, users face many problems, such as data loss, data corruption, being unable to open and close PST files, and more. To reduce PST file size, manage PST files, and avoid all these problems, you just need to divide large PST files. In this blog, we are going to show you the step-by-step method for splitting Outlook PST files into smaller parts. So, let’s start…
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Need to Split Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts
There are many reasons behind the task of splitting a large PST file into multiple small files. Some of them are as follows:-
- The large size of the PST files slows down the performance of Outlook and may cause data corruption or loss problems.
- Outlook stops storing data items when the PST file exceeds its maximum size limit, so it is required to manage the PST file size limit.
- Oversized PST files are the main cause of PST file data being inaccessible or corrupted. Thus, splitting large PST file into smaller parts is the best method to reduce PST file size.
What is Outlook PST File Size Limit?
The size limit of PST file is different in all Outlook versions. Below we described the PST size limits:
- In Outlook 2002 and earlier versions, you can only save data up to 2 GB.
- The Outlook 2003 and 2007 maximum size limit is 20 GB.
- In Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2021the file size is limited to up to 50 GB which can be increased or decreased by applying changes to the Windows registry settings.
How to Check the Size of Outlook Mailbox?
Follow the steps below to find out the size of your mailbox.
- In the Mail view, click your account.
- Click Folder >> Folder Properties.
3. Click Folder Size at the bottom.
4. Now, you will see the size of the mailbox.
Manual Ways to Split Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts
Unluckily, there is no inbuilt utility or feature in Outlook for splitting PST files. However, we found some freeways that can help solve your problem.
Method 1: Use the Import/Export Option
With the help of the following steps, you are able to break PST into into smaller parts in Outlook:
1. Click on File tab >> Account Setting >> Account Settings.
- Click the Add button under the Data Files tab.
- Enter the File Name and Save Type as Outlook Data File (.pst) and click OK.
- The new PST file was created successfully.
5. Now, again, click on File >> Open & Import >> Import/Export.
6. From the Import and Export wizard, select Export to a file option and click Next.
- In Export to a File window, select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and click Next.
8. Select the folder to export from and check the Include subfolders option.
9. Browse to select PST file and check the Do not export duplicate items checkbox. Click Finish.
- You can set a password for the exported PST file or simply cancel it if you want.
Method 2. With Move to Folder
This is the second method for splitting PST files. Follow the steps mentioned below to truncate the PST file:
- In Outlook, Click File >> Account Setting >> Account Setting.
- Click on the Data File tab and click Add button to add a new PST file.
- Now, go to Home, click the Move button, and select Copy to Folder.
- Select the PST file so that all the selected items can be moved to a new file.
- In the end, delete the copied items from the default PST file to break PST into smaller files.
Method 3: Use Archive Feature to Reduce Mailbox Size
This feature can also help you divide a large-size PST file by following the step-by-step process:
1. Launch Outlook, Select File >> Info >> Tools >> Clean Up Old Items.
- Select the folder to archive and choose a date in the Archive items older than section. Click Browse to save the archive file to the selected location, and click OK.
Disadvantages of Manual Methods
There are some limitations to using manual tricks on how to split a PST file into smaller parts. Some of them are –
Time-taking and lengthy process for the users.
- There are lots of chances of data loss and misplacement.
- Required technical expertise to perform the task of truncating the PST file.
- Does not reduce PST file size properly or according to your needs.
Direct Solution to Split Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts
To overcome all the limitations and problems of reducing Outlook mailbox size using the manual method, you can easily go with the professional too i.e. Split PST Software Free Download. It is one of the best and most highly rated tools that is able to break PST into smaller files with or without Outlook 2021, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and other versions.
It also allows users to split PST file by date range, size, year, folder, and sender’s email ID. The software is capable of distinguishing UNICODE and ANSI PST types and helps maintain data integrity. However, it will keep the format and metadata intact.
Easy Steps to Split Large Size PST File into Multiple Parts
Here are the Steps to Truncate PST File:-
- Download and Launch the software.
- Add the PST file/folder(s) and browse the PST File.
- Now, select the required Split Option.
- Check the summary of Split Information and Hit the Next tab to proceed.
- Finally, the process to break PST into Smaller files is completed.
Also Read: How to Reduce Outlook PST File Size without Outlook?
Complete Guide to Break Multiple Outlook Data Files
Step 1. Download and launch the application.
- This tool provides you with several options, viz., Add File(s), Add Folder, and Search Files. Click any option as per your requirement.
- Now, select the required Split Option: Split by Size, Date, Year, Folder Email ID, and Category.
- The Split PST Tool provides the facility to split PST by size. The user can provide the desired size in MB, GB, and TB to break PST into the desired size.
- After selecting the option to split by size and providing the required information, click the Next button to continue.
- Now the software will show you a summary of partition information. Click Next to start the process of splitting PST.
- Once the user clicks on the Next button, the tool will start the process of splitting PST by size.
- Once, the process to divide large-size PST files is done. Go to the selected destination location and review the resultant PST files.
Final Verdict
Here, we mentioned the multiple manual techniques to split Outlook PST file into smaller parts, step by step. The manual process to reduce PST file size has some limitations and is not completely safe, therefore, we also mentioned software fixes. The software is able to split large PST files by size, date, folder, year, email ID, and category. It helps you divide large PST files without any trouble.