HomeOutlookHow to Split Large Outlook PST File Into Multiple Smaller PST Files

How to Split Large Outlook PST File Into Multiple Smaller PST Files

When the file size of an Outlook PST file exceeds the limited size, it may lead to corruption. Hence, to avoid the problem of corruption, it is recommended to split large PST file. In this post, manual workarounds are discussed. In addition to this, a professional PST Split Software can also be used to split Outlook PST file into smaller parts.


In Microsoft Outlook, all the emails and other items in the mailbox are stored in PST file format. PST stands for Personal Storage Table. There are two types of PST file: first is ANSI and another one is UNICODE. There is a fixed file size allotted to the file type. ANSI PST was used in Outlook 2002 and earlier versions. The maximum size of the file is 2GB. Then comes the UNICODE PST which provides the size up to 50 GB and it is used with Outlook 2003 and later versions. When the size of any PST files exceeds the file size allocated to it, the PST file becomes corrupted. Hence, in order to prevent the corruption of PST file, it is required to break up large PST file into smaller PST files. The chances of corruption in UNICODE PST files are very less as the size allotted is very large. So let’s discuss how to split large pst file into multiple smaller pst files.

Split Outlook PST File Into Smaller Parts

To break a large sized PST file into smaller pst files, there is no direct option. But, it can be achieved indirectly with the help of features like “Import and Export” and “Archive”. These features are present in Microsoft Outlook 2007, Outlook 2010, Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016.

Method 1: Split PST Using Import and Export Option

The latest versions of Outlook provides import and export option as an ultimate solution to split large size pst file. Simply follow the steps as described below and break large pst file into multiple pst files.

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook
  2. Navigate to “File” tab, click on Account Settings and then again click on Account settings from the drop-down menu.
  3. A window will appear on the screen. Switch to Data Files tab and then, click on Add button.
  4. Another dialog box will open up on the screen. Choose Create or Open Outlook Data File. Name your PST File and select the location where you want to save the file.
  5. Click on OK Button and close Account Settings screen.
  6. Again come to the File and click on Open followed by Import.
  7. An Import and Export Wizard will open up on the screen. From there, you have to choose an Export option and then click on Next button.
  8. Click on the PST file and choose Next.
  9. Select the folder you want to export from Expand the folder window and select any particular item or sub-folders. Then, click on Next.
  10. Browse the destination location to save the new PST file and name it.
    At last, click on Finish.
  11. A new dialog window will appear on the screen. You can create a password for your PST file if you want to. Otherwise, select Cancel.
  12. Now, a PST file has been created at the desired location. You can open and view this in Outlook platform.

Method 2: Split Large PST Using Archive Option

Archive option is available in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 and 2007 only. So if you are using one of them then you can easily perform the listed steps and break the large pst into multiple parts.

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
  2. Select the PST file and export all the mail items.
  3. Navigate to the File tab and select the option of Archive.
  4. From the dialog box on the screen, select the checkbox Archive this Folder and all subfolders.
  5. Choose the desired folder that you want to export from the list.
  6. You can also select the option of Archive items older than to move the items from the calendar.
  7. Select the location where you want to save the file by clicking on Browse option.
  8. A new PST file is created at the desired location.

Tip: You can move you some of the emails or other mailbox items to another empty folder with the help of “Move to Folder” option. This will free up space in original PST file, create smaller PST files and saves the file from corruption.

Method 3: Break Large PST Using “Move to Folder” Option

Move to folder option is widely used to split a big pst file into small pst files. This option is available in all version of Outlook. Just perform the steps listed below and split large size pst files.

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
  2. Navigate to File option >> New >> Outlook Data File. A dialog box of New Outlook Data File will appear on the screen.
  3. Select a PST file and then click on OK button.
  4. A new window box of Create Microsoft Personal Folders will appear on the screen.
  5. You have to type the name of PST file.
  6. Choose the folder where you can export this PST file. From here, you can choose more than one folder.
  7. From the Edit menu, select Move to Folder.
  8. A new dialog box of Move Items will appear on the screen. Select New button.
  9. A Create New Folder dialog box will open up. Enter the name of this folder.
  10. Under the Select where to place the folder option, choose the new Outlook PST file and select OK.
  11. Choose the new folder in the new PST file in Move Items and select OK.

Conclusion

Whenever the file size of any PST file exceeds the allotted limit, it may result in file corruption. Hence, for the proper working of the large sized PST file, it is recommended to split it. To split large PST file in Outlook 2010, manual methods have been discussed. Also, to overcome the limitations of the workarounds, a professional tool can also be used.

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