Useful Information to Split PST into 2 Files
A User Asked
“I was using Outlook over years and now due to accumulated mailbox data, my PST is too big in size. Is there any way I can split PST into 2 files as the speed of the functioning is going slow due to the large size of PST.”
Thus, on user demand we are going to discuss manual methods that will help to split PST in half. Along, with this we will also discuss an automated solution like SysTools Split PST software to fasten up the process to break PST into smaller files.
Method 1
This is to use the Archive feature of Outlook to split PST into 2 files.
Note: Use this trick if you are searching for “how to archive Outlook folder”.
Microsoft Outlook is to be launched.
The PST file from which the items are to be moved to a new PST file is to be selected.
Click on Info on the File tab. You will get a scroll-down list and the Archive dialog box appears.
Check the ‘Archive this folder and all subfolders’ box. If it is checked by default then leave it as it is.
Select any folder from the list, like Inbox, which you need to move.
You get an ‘Archive items older than’ option wherein you need to select the date from the calendar.
Click on Browse to select the location of the newly created pst-file and give it a name. Anyways, the default name selected would be archive.pst.
The Edit box contains the defined file name and your selected location in case you need to cross-check and be sure.
Click on OK to start the process. A new PST file is created and this can be checked in MS Outlook.
Method 2
This is to use the Import & Export feature of Outlook to split up PST files.
Launch MS Outlook on your system.
Create a new Outlook PST data file.
Click on File -> More Items -> Outlook Data File -> File tab.
‘Create or Open Outlook Data File’ window opens.
Browse the location and name the new Outlook file and then click OK.
A new Outlook data file is created which can be checked in Outlook.
Now click on File tab -> Open -> Import.
You get the Import and Export wizard. From the list, click on Export to a file and then OK.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and then click Next.
Now browse and select the file wherein you need to export.
Select the file into which you want to export when the Open Outlook Data Files window opens and then click on OK.
The selected Outlook data file is seen in the edit box. Now click on the Finish Button to start the process.
The new ‘Create Outlook Data File’ window will appear and here the password can be applied for file protection or simply click on Cancel button.
A new PST file is created which can be checked in MS Outlook.
Method 3
This uses Move to Folders of Outlook to split PST file
On your system launch Microsoft Outlook.
Go to Home tab -> New Items -> More Items -> Outlook Data File.
When the Create or Open Outlook Data File window appears, give a new name to this file and click OK. The new Outlook data file is listed.
You need to expand the Outlook data file from which you need to move/copy the mailbox items and then click on Move tab -> Copy to Folder.
The Copy Items dialog box opens wherein you need to select the new Outlook data file where you want to copy the mailbox folder and finally click on OK.
A new PST file containing the copied mailbox folder is created.
Common Drawbacks of Manual Methods
Just imagine a scenario where your mailbox is large and contains thousands of emails and other mailbox items. Then to split PST into 2 files by manual method consumes a lot of time which may run into several hours. Novice users of Outlook will find it extremely tough to navigate the process and perform the steps accordingly.
Commercial Tool to Split PST into 2 Files
The Split PST software is an excellent solution to split Outlook pst file into smaller parts and people across the globe have been extremely satisfied with its performance and reliability.
In a Nutshell
The manual methods cannot be used if your PST is corrupt, and the reason for this is very obvious, that one cannot open a corrupted PST file. Then any export or import process cannot be performed without it not being opened. A professional tool, on the other hand, helps in such cases and offers expertise solution. So, the above blog suggests the use of a third-party professional tool to split PST into 2 files.