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LICOMPGUY

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Outlook 2010, PST size/search issues/stops repsonding/supported pst size etc

Hey all

Ok I have a few users with Outlook 2010, one of which a pres of a co has multiple PST files some of which are as large as 32GB, he had a problem when searching, I recreated the index and he can do a search all and it works perfectly. His assistant on the other hand has Outlook 2010 (was going to upgrade her to 2013/16), with an inbox (relatively small), and a PST which is 34GB.  often when searching Outlook stops responding. I had repaired the PST, recreated the index.  I am going to bring her up to 2013/16.

However, I cannot find a cold hard statement from MS about supported size/entries per folder etc., What I am encountering if the Pres of the Co is able to do search multiple large PSTs without an issue), why can't his assistant!  I am thinking we got lucky with him and it simply isn't supported.  I don't believe there is a lot of depth to the folder structure.

So going to update her to 2013/16, and test, but anyone have any thoughts/cold hard statements from MS? (Can't find a thing)!  Best practices for sizes etc.
Thanks all!
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Gurvinder Bharya
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Good Afternoon,

I would recommend the following link to be a good read:

https://www.msoutlook.info/question/99

Microsoft Office 2010 and later support size of no more than 50GB for PST files. If you are having issues with 30-35GB PST, and with Indexing issues, then I believe this comes down to the resources available for the applications on your machine. I believe that all applications are fighting for resources and that your director might have a better machine than the secretary. When indexing occurs, the machine does not have to be used heavily otherwise the indexing does not complete properly and you end up having issues. Might you consider providing more resources for the secretary as a solution.
The allowed size for Outlook 2010 through Outlook 2016 is 50 GB

https://www.msoutlook.info/question/99

Even so, I keep PST reasonable smaller than the limit to avoid issues.

Find SCANPST in the Outlook Program Folder, back up the PST on the problem machine and then scan it for errors and correct. Replace the Outlook Profile after you do this.
Avatar of LICOMPGUY
LICOMPGUY

ASKER

Thanks John

Saw that link, was really looking for  a statement from MS.  Yes, scanned and fixed errors and recreated the index.  Outlook 2010 still hangs when doing a serach all.  I just need to provide a document from MS to the client so I can say, see this is why you are having  the issues you are, right from the horses mouth if you will.
Thanks
Hey Gurv

Actually her computer is equally robust, same CPU/RAM etc.  So don't think it is resources. perhaps something corrupt within office.
Thanks
You can try two things:

1. Uninstall / Restart / Reinstall Office

2. Set up a new, test Windows User Profile (Account). Log into the new Windows Account, set up Outlook and test.

Damaged profile are a common cause of Office issues.
Hey John

Thanks.  What are your thoughts of just installing Outlook 2013/16 fresh?

Thanks again!
I use and like Office (Outlook) 2016. So by all means use that. It might fix the issue and if it does, great. Otherwise consider the Windows Profile issue.
Hey John

Will take that approach, still really would be great if can find a statement from MS - I guess they don't want to commit to specs on Outlook
The reference above confirms the 50 GB size for all recent versions.

PST problems related to uninstall/reinstall or Profile do not have definitive links, just experiential practice.
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pgm554
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That's interesting, Have you actually implemented SSDs for users with PSTs larger than 12GB? If so have you found it produces more consistent results when searching etc? Def worth a try. Thanks
John/Guys

Thanks for your input.  It is worth reinstalling AND throwing an SSD at it, to see what we get
I have users with 26 gig pst's.
Speed and indexing is no issue.