How to Break Up a PST into Multiple PST Files of Outlook

In this article, you will be enlightened on how to break up a PST into Multiple PST files of Outlook. Microsoft Outlook uses a PST file format to store your emails and other mailbox items. The PST file size is limited and if it exceeds that limit, then the file becomes corrupt.

Outlook uses two types of PST files ANSI PST and Unicode PST. The ANSI PST file has a limit of 2GB and is used with Outlook 2002 and earlier versions. On the other hand, Unicode PST file has a limit up to 20 GB and is used with Outlook 2003 and later versions.

Now from MS Outlook 2013 or higher versions, Microsoft increases the size limit of Unicode PST file up to 50 GB. All of this file will work fine till it uses the available space but when it exceeds the size limit, then you may lose your emails and other important items. The best way to avoid corruption is to split the PST file into different parts.

Why there’s a need to split PST file into smaller parts

There are various reasons due to which one needs to split PST file into smaller parts.

• Avoid data loss due to large PST
• To enhance Outlook performance
• Sort the data coherently

Manual techniques to split the PST file

MS Outlook does not provide any inbuilt tool to break up a PST into multiple PST files manually. You can follow the below method to split the PST file.

Method #1: Import and Export Technique to Reduce the Size of Outlook PST file

1. First of all, start MS Outlook on your system.
2. Now, click on Files from the Menu, click on Account settings.
3. A dialog box will appear, select the Data Files tab and click on Add button.
4. Another dialog box will appear named ‘Create or Open Outlook data file’. You have to select the File name and location of PST file.
5. Click on OK button and close the Account settings window.
6. Click File tab again >> Click Open >> Click Import.
7. The import and export wizard will appear now. Click on the Export option and click on Next button.
8. Now, select the PST file and click on Next to continue split PST file.
9. An Expand Folder window will open up. Here, click on the folder or sub-folder to export from and press the Next button.
10. Then browse the destination to save the new PST file and name it.
11. Select the appropriate option >> Click on Finish.
12. ‘Create Password For PST’ window will pop-up. If you want to create a password for PST then create it otherwise click on Cancel.
13. A new PST file will be created now.

Method #2: Utilizing the feature ‘Move to Folder’

1. Open the Microsoft Outlook application.
2. Click on File tab >> New >> Outlook Data File
3. You will see a new dialog box. From here, select the oversized PST file that needs to be split and click on OK button.
4. ‘Create Microsoft Personal Folder’ window will pop-up. Give an appropriate name for this new PST file.
5. Select one or more folders to move in this newly created PST file.
6. Now, go to the Edit menu and click on the Move to Folder option.
7. Move Items wizard will pop-up. Here, click on the New button.
8. Provide a name for this folder in ‘Create New Folder’ window.
9. From ‘Select where to place the folder’ option, click on the new PST file and click OK.
10. Finally, click on OK to end the process.

Method #3: By using Archive Method

1. Open MS Outlook on your computer.
2. Now, select the PST file from which data will move to the new file.
3. Then, click on the File tab and select the option Archive.
4. A wizard will appear now ‘Archive this folder and all subfolders’.
5. Select all the folders that need to move.
6. ‘Archive items older than’ option will appear. You can select any date from the calendar.
7. Then browse a location to save this file and give a name to this new PST file.
8. Finally, click on OK button and a new PST file has been generated at the preferred location.

Drawbacks of Manual Method

1. Chances of permanent data loss.
2. Time-consuming and lengthy process.
3. The requirement of Technical Knowledge.

You may also read: How to Convert PST to MBOX Format on Windows

Professional Solution

When all the manual methods fail to break up a PST into multiple PST files of MS Outlook then you must try an automated solution. You can go for Aryson Split PST Software, which can split large Outlook PST files into smaller parts with a great ease. This software has got an advanced recovery algorithm using which it can swiftly split the oversized PST files in just a few clicks. It is compatible with all the versions of Microsoft Outlook. So, I would like to recommend this software, you can also try the free demo version of this software.

Bottom Lines

Above, I have mentioned all the techniques to split PST files including the manual method as well as an automated solution. As the manual method has some drawbacks so you can try the professional tool. Now, it’s your call. Hope this article helps to resolve your query.

 

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