Outlook 2002 doesn't compress my 656 MB PST file, though I've del.

[Guest]

I deleted all my messages before 2004. When I click Compress, Outlook
pretends to do something for a long time but the PST file does not change
size. I tried importing into a new PST file but the new file is virtually
the same size, and I've lost most of my Rules Wizard rules. Please Help!

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Did you also empty the Deleted Items folder before compacting? Given your
description, it sounds like you really have 656mb of mail from 2004. You
might want to do an advanced find for large items.

Importing will definitely not bring in rules, custom views, or custom forms.