OST file size limit

[Baranyi Peter]

Hi,

am I right to say, that the OST/PST files still have the 1.8 G size limit
(we use Outlook 2003), and if it exceeds, the file will be corrupted?
If this is the case, what prohibits Microsoft to implement a new structure
to get rid of this limit? I have several users with large mailbox (4-5 G)
and it is a hassle to keep the mailbox under 1.8G...

Thanks:
Peter

 

[neo [mvp outlook]]

Outlook 2003 supports two different OST/PST file formats.

1) Outlook 97/2002 Personal Folders file - All the things you have come to
know about PST files to date and data stored in ANSI format.

2) Personal Folders file - New software limit set to 20GB, but may be
smaller depending on format of drive. (e.g. FAT32 drives can't have a single
file >= 4GB.) Data is stored in Unicode format. This file format is *NOT*
backward compatible.

OST files are the same. (If the OST was was created against an Exchange 5.5
server then #1 applies. If OST created against Exchange 2003, then #2
applies. (assuming the site hasn't been cute with administrative policies
to control Outlook 2003)

 

[Baranyi Peter]

Thanks for the valuable info.
I am between the situations you mention: we have Outlook 2003 connecting to
Exchange2000.
What is the case than? Can the ost grow beyond 1.8 G? In the case of PST the
Outlook offers a choice what formyt has to be used, but where can I set this
for the OST file.
Thanks:

Peter

 

[neo [mvp outlook]]

Try this to see what mode (ansi or unicode) Outlook is in.

* Right click on Outlook Today - Mailbox <username> and select properties
* Select advanced button
* Go to the advanced tab
* Does it say what mode Outlook is in at the bottom of the dialog?