How to Split PST File into Smaller Files Free?
This article explains various methods to split PST file into smaller parts. You can use manual and automated ways to resolve your Outlook performance-related issues. Let’s continue to read this information to understand the complete steps to break up a PST file into smaller files.
When it comes to Microsoft Outlook, the Personal Storage Table (PST) file plays a crucial role in storing emails, calendar events, and other data. These files, also known as Personal Folders, are handy for backups, archiving, and transferring messages between computers or email accounts.
However, as the PST file grows larger, it becomes increasingly challenging to handle. Not only does it hinder Outlook’s performance, but it also raises the risk of damage and corruption. To keep your PST files in check, it’s highly recommended to split Outlook PST file into smaller parts using reliable techniques.
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Benefits to Break Up A PST File into Smaller Files
Dividing a PST file into multiple smaller parts offers several advantages, including:
- Improved Outlook Performance: Large PST files can bog down Outlook, making it sluggish and difficult to access emails and data. By splitting them into smaller parts, you can boost Outlook’s overall performance and eliminate common issues like slow search results.
- Easy Backup and Recovery: Smaller PST files are more manageable when it comes to backing up and recovering data in case of loss or system failure.
- Reduced Risk of Corruption: Large PST file crashes Outlook and becomes prone to corruption, which can result in data loss. Splitting them into smaller parts minimizes this risk, ensuring the safety of your information.
- Easier Sharing: Smaller PST files are simpler to share with others, as their reduced size makes them easier to transfer between devices or accounts.
- Enhanced Arrangement: Splitting a PST file into smaller parts allows for better organization of emails and data, making it easier to locate and manage specific information.
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Manual Methods to Split Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts
Unfortunately, Outlook does not provide built-in utilities for splitting PST files to small parts. However, there are manual methods you can employ to reduce PST file size:
#1 Method: Using the Archive Option
- Launch Microsoft Outlook and navigate to the File tab.
- Go to the Info option, then the tool, and click on “Clean Up Old Items”.
- Select the folder you want to archive, specify a date in the “Archive items older than” box, and click the Browse button to save the archive file in your desired location.
- Click “OK” to complete the process.
#2 Method: Utilize the Import/Export Option
- Click the File menu and go to the Account settings.
- In the account settings wizard, click “Add” under the data files option.
- Enter a file name and type “Outlook data file .pst,” then click “OK” to proceed.
- A new PST file will be created, which you can view under the data files.
- Again, click on “File,” then go to “Open & Export“, and select “Import & Export“.
- In the import-export wizard, choose the “Export to a file” option and click “Next“.
- Select “Outlook data file (.pst)” in the export to file window.
- Choose the desired folder to export and check the “Include subfolder options“.
- Click “Browse” and select the location where you want to save the exported file. Optionally, click “Do not Export Duplicates” to exclude duplicate items.
- Click the “Finish” button to complete the process.
#3 Method: Using the Move to Folder Option
- Click on the File tab, then go to Account Settings.
- See configured accounts in Outlook, and click on Data Files.
- On the Data Files tab, click the “Add” button to create a new blank PST file.
- Enter name of blank PST file and press the Ok button.
- See a new blank PST file is created in your Outlook, click Close.
- Now you can see the newly created PST file in Outlook folders.
- Go to the Home screen, open the default PST file, and select the items you want to move to the new PST file you created.
- Click on the Move button at the top.
- Choose the “Copy to Folder” option from the drop-down.
- Now you need to choose your new blank PST file from the “Copy the selected items to the folder” option and click OK. Thereafter, data will be moved from the old PST to the new PST file.
Note: You can also delete the copied items from the default Outlook PST file to reduce its size.
Limitations Of Manual Methods
While these manual methods are free, there are several limitations to consider:
- Time-Consuming and Confusing: The manual processes can be time-consuming and complicated to follow, requiring technical expertise.
- High Risk of Data Loss: There is a significant chance of data loss when using manual methods, and data security and integrity are not guaranteed.
- Technical Knowledge Required: Successfully executing the manual splitting methods requires a certain level of technical knowledge.
- Lack of Data Integrity: The manual methods do not ensure data integrity, leaving room for potential issues.
Automated Method to Split PST File into Smaller Parts
To simplify the process and overcome the limitations of manual methods, you can utilize the BitRecover PST Split Software. This software allows you to split large Outlook PST file into smaller parts without the need for installing MS Outlook. With its user-friendly wizard, you can break down various items like contacts, emails, calendars, and tasks to prevent reaching the PST size limit. The tool offers the flexibility to split PST files by year in 2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB parts according to your specific requirements.
How to Break Up A PST file into Smaller Files?
- Launch the recommended tool and choose an option to add configured and orphaned PST files.
- Select the required folders based on your preference and hit the Next button.
- Browse a destination path to store processed small PST files.
- Use multiple choices to break up a PST file into smaller files by date, size, email id, etc.
- After selecting the filter option, click the Split button to continue.
- See software is splitting Outlook PST file into smaller parts, wait to complete.
Advantages of This Automated Solution
When employing the suggested software, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- UNICODE & ANSI PST Support: The software can handle both UNICODE and ANSI PST files, ensuring compatibility with various Outlook versions.
- Flexible Saving Options: Users can save the resulting smaller Outlook PST files in any desired location without limitations.
- Compatibility with Multiple Outlook Versions: This automated software works seamlessly with different versions of Microsoft Outlook, including Outlook Version 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
- Folder-Based Splitting: With the “Split Outlook PST File by Folder” feature, you can easily separate PST folders, such as inbox, outbox, sent items, and received emails.
Conclusion
Efficient management of PST files is crucial for optimal performance and data integrity in Microsoft Outlook. You can enhance Outlook’s performance, ease the backup and recovery process, minimize the risk of corruption, simplify sharing, and improve overall organization if you split PST file into smaller parts. While manual methods exist, they have limitations and may require technical expertise, making them time-consuming and potentially risky. To overcome these challenges, the above-mentioned automated application offers a user-friendly and reliable solution, ensuring smooth and efficient splitting of Outlook PST file to smaller parts without compromising data integrity or security.