Outlook.pst has reached max size. How do I reduce?

[Guest]

I use Outlook 2003. My mailbox has reached max size and now I can't delete or
move any emails or receive or send new ones. What should I do? I've tried
accessing the outlook.pst file but not sure how to open it or what will
happen when I do.

 

[Guest]

First see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291645 for details on how to
compact your PST, then http://support.microsoft.com/kb/287070 for details on
how to export some data.

 

[Pat Willener]

Assuming that you have a 97-2002 type PST, and you have reached 2GB size
or over. Once you have reached that, you can no longer open the file
with Outlook. But you can reduce the size back to under 2GB where OL can
open it again; use the "Oversized PST and OST crop tool" - see
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/296088

Once you have done that
- open Outlook
- create a new (2003-type) PST file
- copy (drag-and-drop) all items from the old PST file to the new one
- close the old PST file

 

[Guest]

I tried all that Pat but after 5 hours scanning the truncated pst file I
tried to run the Inbox repair tool (scanpst.exe) on the truncated file and
got nowhere.

Also, don't see how you have the new outlook.pst file and the old one open
simultaneously to drag and drop items from old to new.