baleman2
asked on
Outlook 2003 Oversize pst file
I'm attempting to move several folders from Outlook (Small Business Edition 2003) from an older laptop to a new one. Older laptop is running Windows XP Home, new one is running Windows XP Pro. No problem creating the PST file using the File-->Import and Export option. It creates a PST file that is 4.2 Gig in size. Have transferred the file via our LAN from the C: drive of one to the C: drive of the other. Import begins but stops before all folders are transferred. I'm trying to understand size limitations; but, both laptops are running the exact same version of Outlook. Any suggestions?
inthecurve
Is there any way to reduce the size of your PST by removing older messages, archiving into smaller segments, etc. I have ran into challenges in the past attempting to attach PST's over 2 gig. Although I am sure there is a size limit noted somewhere, I don't know the exact limit.
ASKER
I'm attempting to do this for a client of mine who assures me he MUST retain file structure, folders, email, etc.
Hello baleman2,
What version of Outlook is in older laptop? Outlook 2002 and before have PST file limitation of 2 GB.
Even if you are using Outlook 2003, it is still best practive to keep PST below 1 GB. Consider creating new PST and open it as a Personal Folder. Then drag the emails from default personal folder to new personal folder. Keep the new Personal Folder under 1 GB. Then the PST will transfer.
Hope this helps!
war1
What version of Outlook is in older laptop? Outlook 2002 and before have PST file limitation of 2 GB.
Even if you are using Outlook 2003, it is still best practive to keep PST below 1 GB. Consider creating new PST and open it as a Personal Folder. Then drag the emails from default personal folder to new personal folder. Keep the new Personal Folder under 1 GB. Then the PST will transfer.
Hope this helps!
war1
You can split the folders out into seperate PST files. Just archive each respective folder in segments. Then when you are back on the client machine, merge them together by opening each, leaving others opened, and drag the items as war1 suggested. You won't loose any structure, folders, email, etc.
ASKER
Will this work?
On the old PC:
1) Open Outlook
2) Create new Personal Folders:
a) XFER 1
b) XFER 2
c) XFER 3
3) Move existing "heavily loaded" folders to XFER 1, XFER 2, and XFER 3.
4) Export XFER 1, XFER 2, and XFER 3 - thus creating 3 smaller PST files.
On the new PC:
5) Import all 3 PST files into Outlook.
6) Move folders from the XFER 1, XFER 2, and XFER 3 to the default Personal Folders file.
On the old PC:
1) Open Outlook
2) Create new Personal Folders:
a) XFER 1
b) XFER 2
c) XFER 3
3) Move existing "heavily loaded" folders to XFER 1, XFER 2, and XFER 3.
4) Export XFER 1, XFER 2, and XFER 3 - thus creating 3 smaller PST files.
On the new PC:
5) Import all 3 PST files into Outlook.
6) Move folders from the XFER 1, XFER 2, and XFER 3 to the default Personal Folders file.
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ASKER
I'll begin the process and post results tomorrow.
Good luck.
ASKER
Inthecurve: Solution was perfect. Finished last night - client is happy - and so am I. Thanks!!