Outlook data file (pst) is much larger than as reported by Outlook !

[C-A Berseth]

Hi all,

My Outlook's pst file is 1.7GB, ie quite close to the danger zone (2GB).
When I ask Outlook for the size of
the folders and all other datas it only shows 1.1 GB total !
Is the file corrupted ? Maybe some remains of an older account ? Using
scanpst.exe I see no error or problem in this file.
Is there some kind of "purge" operation (other than brutal deletion) ?

Claude-Albert

NB : same problem seen in Outlook XP and Outlook 2003 for the same pst file.

 

[Ben M. Schorr - MVP]

Aloha C-A Berseth,

Have you tried compacting it yet? (right-click the root folder of the Personal
Folders File, go to Properties | Advanced | Compact Now)

You might also consider upgrading to a Unicode file which is more tolerant
of size. In Outlook 2003 create a new PST file (make sure to create an Outlook
2003 Unicode file) then copy or move (don't import) all of your items and
folders from the old PST file.

Note: after you do this you won't be able to open this PST file in Outlook
XP so only do this if you're only going to use Outlook 2003 (or later) with
this PST file from now on.

-Ben-
Ben M. Schorr, MVP
Roland Schorr & Tower
http://www.rolandschorr.com
Microsoft OneNote FAQ: http://www.factplace.com/onenote.html

 

[DL]

Actually 'old' format pst 'can' give probs if larger than 1.6gb

 

[C-A Berseth]

Ok, after compacting the pst file went down to 1.1 GB as hoped for.
Thanks for your advice !

Claude-Albert
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