Troubleshooting MS Outlook PST File is Too Large Error

Written By Amrita Yadav
Updated on June 14th, 2023

Oversized PST file is a major concern for many Outlook users because they are prone to corruption. A huge amount of data is at risk when the Outlook PST File is Too Large. So, in this article, you can explore three optimum solutions to reduce the PST file size by splitting it or cleaning the Outlook Mailbox. You can use the PST Splitter to break a large PST file into small parts so that it becomes safe from corruption.

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PST File Size and Errors Related to Large PST

Earlier when people used to use MS Outlook 2000 or 2002 then the maximum size of the PST file was 2 GB only. Later on, when Microsoft introduced Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007 then the maximum size of the PST file used to be 20 GB. Currently, after the introduction of Outlook 2010 and in the latest version the size of the PST file is 50 GB.

But when the size of the PST file exceeds its maximum limit i.e. 50 then it becomes too large and prone to corruption. There are many errors that occur due to large PST files like Outlook Error 0x00040820, cannot open Outlook data file errors, and many others.

So, in order to keep a large and oversized PST file free from corruption, it is advisable to reduce the PST file size. You can use some inbuilt utility of MS Outlook or directly a professional tool to reduce PST file size.

Things to Do When an Outlook PST File is Too Large

Sending and receiving emails through Outlook expands the mailbox size and it reaches the maximum limit. With the increase in the Outlook Mailbox Size, the size of the PST file also increases which makes it too large. Therefore, you can implement the following techniques to reduce the size of a PST file and make it free from corruption.

Use Compact Now Feature
Try Mailbox Cleanup Tool
Use PST Splitter

Use Compact Now Feature

Launch MS Outlook Application and go to the File tab.
Then click on the Account Settings option.
Then click again on the Account Settings option and in the new wizard, go to the Data Files tab.
Then select the large PST file that you have and click on the Settings button.
Finally, click on the Compact Now button and then on the OK button to finish the process.

Your PST file size will be reduced and the PST File Tool Large problem will be resolved. Here is another way to deal with this issue that you can explore below.

Try Mailbox Cleanup Tool

Open MS Outlook and click on the File tab.
Then click on the Info option and then on the Tool icon which will open three options.
Then click on the Mailbox Cleanup option.
The Mailbox Cleanup wizard opens where you have to click on the Empty button to completely remove deleted Outlook emails from the PST File.

So by permanently deleting the Outlook emails using the Mailbox Cleanup option in MS Outlook, you can reduce the File size and get rid of the Outlook PST File is Too Large problem.

Use PST Splitter

The last option left with you is to use the PST Splitter Software to break PST files into smaller parts. Once you divided PST files on the basis of Size, you will get multiple PSTs and the too-large PST will get split. You can follow the steps given below to split too large PST files and reduce the file size.

Launch PST Splitter and add the Large PST File.
Then choose the basis according to which you want to split the PST file whether it is Size, Sender’s ID, Date or Folder.
You must also use the Remove Duplicates option in the software because duplicate emails and folders result in PST File is Too Large a Problem.
Now Define the location where you want to save the split PST Files.
Finally, click on Split and your large PST file will get split into multiple small PSTs.

Conclusion

So, you have seen that there are 3 different ways to reduce the PST file size when it gets too large. The ball is in your court and you will have to decide which method would be the best to deal with this problem.

About The Author:

Amrita Yadav

Amrita is a proficient technical content writer with a deep passion for technology and a natural talent for writing. He excels in creating compelling and informative content that captivates readers on technology websites. His areas of specialization include data migration, backup, and recovery, where his vast expertise enables him to develop superior quality content that is both educational and stimulating.