How easy is it to work with multiple .pst files and why so long to send/recieve

D

David Jensen

My .pst file is about 750MB in size. For well over a year now it takes
Outlook several minutes to do a send and receive even if there is only 2
incoming E-mails. I have two POP accounts set up. Other identically
configured PCs in the office take only a few seconds to do the same. I've
assumed that the problem had something to do with the size of the pst file
although someone else here has a similarly large pst file. One difference
is that he keeps his inbox clean and I just let everything accumulate in
mine.

My first question is what could be causing this incredibly slow behavior.
Everything else about the PC seems normal and I've had this same pst file on
other machines where is also runs slow.

My second question involves starting over with a clean pst file (since I
figured this would speed things up). I've thought about archiving this one
(which I think just turns it into another pst file) or just saving it out on
the network as a pst file of a different name so that Outlook will set up a
new clean pst. Either way, I am then left with the situation of needing to
frequently access that old pst file. How easy is it to do that? I always
have a very difficult time switching my pst file to a new machine since it
seems hard to get Outlook to point to the right address book and make sure
that I don't have two Outlook todays and so on. I think anyone who has
tried to move a pst file to another machine will know what I am talking
about. I'm afraid that navigating frequently between two pst files could be
a similar hassle. Is it? If so, is there a way to make it as easy as
opening up another Word or Excel document? What are the tricks and
suggestions of the experts?

Thanks in advance for you thoughts and guidance.
 
G

Guest

David,

I would first start by running scan on your pst to see if there is any error
or corruption. Also run a detect and repair on your Outlook and make sure
that Office is up to date with latest patches.

To manage things more efficiently and help prevent the slowness I suggest
creating another personal folder or 2 if need be for storage puposes only.
Move all email into the "filing" personal folders and use the existing one
for current communication.

This will allow you to minimize the size of the current pst to a more
manageable size that is being accessed continualy to only the mailbox items
currently being used. The other items to be moved to the newly created
personal folder for future referenced.

I have had to do this on frequent occasions and it does help significantly.
There may be other factors involved but for now this is where I would start.

Regards,

Francine Otterson
President, San Diego Outlook User Group
 

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