Large outlook.pst loses all data?

[Ross]

Outlook 2000 version outlook.pst file unknown to me got too big (1.9 gb) and
crashed. Now when I try to open the file from a backup hard drive I get the
error "quit all mail-enabled applications, and then usse the inbox repair
tool." I don't know how to do that. The computer repair service I took it to
was able to restore my contacts but lost all the e-mails and categories.
They suggested that I uninstall and reinstall outlook, how can I open this
big file and quickly delete unneccessary items like "sent" items quickly
enough to keep it from crashing again?
Could a later version of Outlook open it and not crash?

 

[DL]

If the file is oversize/corrupt it wont open in any version of Outlook
Uninstalling/Reinstalling has no impact on data
The inbox repair tool is scanpste.exe, search to include hidden then run
against your outlook.pst file, if it runs & fixes errors, run it again - it
may not run however
If it wont run then
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=296088

 

[Ross]

I have a backup copy that worked 1.5 months ago that I could use- it is 1.9
gb. If I re-install outlook should I import that backup or just file>open it?

 

[DL]

You dont Import, or Export Native Outlook Data

Reinstall Outlook, dont open it!
Use the Mail Applet in the Control Panel to add a New Profile, data File and
the Accounts, set it to prompt for Profile
http://www.outlook-tips.net/beginner/2000_profile.htm

Once outlook is configered and running with what will be an empty data file,
then within Outlook, File>Open>Personal Folders.........browse to and open
your backup pst (I assume its located on the HD
See if it Opens & report back