You probably already know how rapidly PST files can develop if you use Microsoft Outlook a lot. These files hold your contacts, emails, attachments, calendar entries, and other information. They can get so big over time that they slow down Outlook or even make it crash. The most current versions of Outlook let PST files be up to 50GB in size. When your file gets too big, it can start to have problems like corruption, slow loading times, and freezing.
A lot of people have the same question: how can I split PST files that are more than 50GB without losing vital data, such as attachments? Attachments typically include important data, reports, or media files; thus, it’s very important to keep them safe during splitting.
We will show you two ways to split big PST files without losing attachments in this article. The first is a manual method using Outlook itself. The second is a better and easier way to do it with Expert Software. By the end, you’ll know how to handle your big PST files better and keep from having problems in the future.
Why You Want to Split Large PST Files
Before we talk about how to do that, let’s talk about why you should divide PST files that are more than 50GB.
- Do not Let Your Data Get Corrupted: PST files that are too big are more likely to get damaged, especially if they go above the limit.
- Make Outlook Work Better: Big files might make it take longer to search, load, and send or receive emails.
- Better Organization: Splitting PSTs can help you organize data year-wise, project-wise, or department-wise.
- Reduce Risk of Data Loss: Smaller, separate files are safer to store and recover than one large, overloaded file.
How to Manually Split PST Files in Outlook
Outlook doesn’t have a straight “Split” option. You can still split your data into more than one PST file by following these instructions. This technique makes sure you maintain your attachments, but it might take a long time.
Step 1: Make a new PST file. Open Outlook.
- Click on the File tab, then Account Settings, and then Account Settings again.
- Click Add under the Data Files tab.
- Make a new PST file with a name that makes sense, like “Archive2023.pst.”
Step 2: Move the emails to the new PST file.
- Go to your main inbox or the folder that has the emails you wish to transfer.
- Put emails in order by size or date.
- Choose a collection of emails, such as all the ones from 2022.
- Press “Move” and then “Other Folder” to move it.
- Choose the new PST file and a folder inside it, or make a new folder.
- Do this again for various date ranges or groups.
Step 3: Export to New PST Files (Another Option)
- Another option is to utilize the Export function:
- Select Import/Export from the File menu.
- Select Export to a File and then click Next.
- Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Pick the folder you wish to export.
- Use filters to choose a date range.
- Put the new PST file where you want it.
- Do this for other folders or date periods to make more than one smaller PST file.
Limitations of the Manual Method
- It takes a lot of time, especially with PST files that are quite big.
- You have to sort and filter emails manually.
- People can make mistakes, like missing vital folders.
- You cannot divide by size directly with this.
- It might be hard to keep track of when you have to deal with a lot of files or years of data.
Automated Method to Split PST Files
DataVare Outlook PST split Expert is an effective tool that can split PST files quickly and safely, without losing any attachments or other data. This application makes it easy for those who aren’t tech-savvy to do what they need to do.
Main Features:
- It can split PST files by size, date, folder, or year.
- Keeps all the metadata and attachments safe.
- It works with both ANSI and Unicode PST formats.
- Works with Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and older versions.
- You do not need Outlook on your computer to use this.
- There will be no loss of data or damage to files throughout the procedure.
- Offers a free demo edition to explore the software.
How to Use the Software
Here’s a quick, easy method for splitting large PST files:
- Download the software from the official DataVare website and install it on your computer. Start the application.
- Click on Browse and choose the large PST file you want to split. The application will quickly look using the file and show you what is inside.
- The software gives you several splitting options: By Size, By Date, By Folder, By Year.
- Pick the one that fits your needs.
- Select the folder on your computer where the new PST files will be stored.
- Click on “Split” and let the tool handle the rest. It will work on your PST file and make smaller, easier-to-handle files without changing any attachments or other data.
Advantages:
- Time Saving: Splitting a 50GB file manually can take hours. It only takes a few minutes for the tool to accomplish it.
- No Data Loss: All emails, attachments, and organizational structures are kept.
- Easy-to-use interface: No technical knowledge needed.
- Efficient: Reduces the possibility of file damage or data loss.
- Safe: The software does not share or expose your data to any third party.
Read also Is It Possible to Import PST Emails to Thunderbird?
In conclusion
It can be extremely difficult to work with a PST file that is more than 50GB, especially if you want to keep attachments. While Outlook allows for some basic manual methods to move and export data, these methods are slow and not always useful for very large files.
Using a professional tool like DataVare Outlook PST Split Expert Software is the safer and best choice. It is made to safely and quickly divide PST files while keeping all of your attachments and data safe. This tool lets you split by size, date, year, or folder, and it saves you hours of work.