It can be quite hard to deal with big Outlook PST files, especially when their size starts to slow down Microsoft Outlook or put your data at risk of being corrupted.
PST files that are too big are not only more difficult to work with, but they are also more likely to crash, slow down, or even lose data. If you use a Mac and have large PST files, you need to split them up into smaller, easier-to-handle pieces.
We will show you both manual and automated ways to split large PST files in this post. This is especially helpful for people who want to make their files smaller, save old emails, or make Outlook faster and more reliable.
The Reasons Why You Should Divide an Oversized PST File
Before we go into the ways, let's talk about why it can be helpful to split a PST file:
- Keeps Outlook from getting slow or not responding
- Reduces the chance of losing data or corrupting files
- Helps you sort your emails by date, size, or category.
- It makes it easier to move and back up data.
Before 2013, Microsoft Outlook used ANSI PST files, which could only hold 2GB of data. The Unicode format is used in newer versions, which can accept up to 50GB. However, performance issues can still happen when your PST gets close to or exceeds that size.
Ways to Manually Split PST Files
1. Using the Archive Feature in Outlook. One of the easiest ways to manually make a PST file smaller is to archive old emails.
Steps:
- Start Microsoft Outlook
- Click on Tools after clicking on File.
- Choose "Clean Up Old Items."
- Pick the folder you want to save
- Choose a timeframe for archiving emails.
- Pick the folder where the archive file will go
- To start the archiving procedure, click OK.
This method lets you move old emails to a different PST file that you can open later if you need to. But it doesn't break the file up based on size.
2. Creating Multiple PST Data
Another manual method is to create new PST files and shift specific data into them.
Steps:
- In Outlook, go to File, then Account Settings, and then again to Account Settings.
- Choose the Data Files tab.
- To make a new PST file, click Add.
- Give the file a name and save it.
- Now, go to your main mailbox and choose the things you want to move.
- Right-click on the selection and pick Move > Other Folder from the menu.
- Select the new PST file as the destination.
Do this again to sort and break up data into several files based on things like date, project, or client.
3. Sending Data to New PST Files
You can also try the feature to divide the PST.
How to do it:
- In the File menu, hit Open and then Export > Import/Export.
- After you select "Export to a file," click "Next."
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and then press Next.
- Select the folder you want to export and any folders inside it.
- Pick a name and a place for the new file to go.
- Click "Finish."
To manually separate your PST file, do this export step again with different sets of data.
Problems with manual methods
Manual approaches are useful for simple splitting, but they have certain problems:
- Takes a long time and is repetitive.
- No direct way to separate by size
- There is a chance of making a mistake when choosing and moving.
- Only possible with Windows Outlook
- Not set up for bulk or automated tasks
For Mac users, specifically, managing PST files manually might be hard because Windows-based tools and functions don't always work with them.
Professional Method to Divide an Oversized PST File
Use of an automated application can guarantee the security of your data and save time for users seeking a more efficient and accurate approach. Mailvita Split PST for Mac Tool is expressly engineered to assist macOS users in dividing oversized PST files without compromising file integrity.
PST files can be divided by size, date, folder, or email ID using this utility, as per your requirements. Ideal for both professionals and residential users, it is user-friendly and does not necessitate any technical expertise.
Key Characteristics:
- It gives compatibility with both ANSI and Unicode PST files.
- It is possible to divide the email by size, folder and date.
- Maintains the formatting of emails and the organization of data
- Compatible with all main versions of Outlook PST files
- It functions seamlessly on all versions of macOS.
Instructions for Utilizing the Tool:
- Download and install the Mailvita Split PST for Mac Tool and start it on your Mac system.
- Add the PST file you want to split.
- Choose the dividing option that you prefer.
- Choose the size (in MB or GB), date period, or folder selection as your criteria.
- Click on the "Split" button.
- Save the PST files that have been divided in the location of your choice.
This method is rapid, precise, and free of the hazards that are associated with manual handling.
PST File Management Guidelines
Consider the following suggestions to prevent future problems with oversized PST data:
- Archive old emails every so often
- Remove any unnecessary attachments or communications.
- Efficiently manage data by employing a folder-based organization.
- Be sure to frequently back up your PST files.
- If you utilize older versions of Outlook, it is important to routinely monitor the size of your PST file.
Final thoughts
To make sure that your Outlook runs smoothly, and your data stays safe, you need to split up large Outlook files. Even though there are manual ways to do things like archiving or exporting, they can take a lot of time and be annoying, especially for Mac users.
Using specialist software like Mailvita Split PST for Mac is a safe and easy way to divide an oversized PST without worrying about compatibility or data loss.
This solution makes it easier to improve Outlook's efficiency, make your files smaller and better organize your inbox, no matter what you want to do. It also offers a free demo edition to test it before buying.
Always put the safety and integrity of your Outlook data first, but choose the technique that works best for you.
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