How to Fix “Outlook PST Data File Too Large” Issue?
Outlook data file too large error generally appears when Outlook PST or OST file grows beyond the configured size limit. Large data files can cause slow Outlook performance, delayed searches, synchronization problems, Outlook freezing, and being unable to send and receive emails, etc.
We can fix PST file too large error by archiving old emails separately, removing unwanted large attachments and emails, compacting data files, split large PST files into smaller parts. Oversized data files contain a high risk of corruption, so if files are already damaged, then we will use recovery solution as well.
What Does “Outlook Data File Too Large” Mean?
MS Outlook stores emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox data in data files in PST and OST format.
Outlook data file, especially PST can store limited data according to a set limit, and this limit depends on the Outlook version such as:
As your mailbox reaches the limit, it makes your file large and difficult to handle. Reaching the technical maximum is not the only concern. A very large file can still make Outlook difficult to manage.
How Do Large Data Files Affect Outlook?
Outlook data files too large issue directly affects Outlook performance such as:
- Outlook becomes slow or freezes.
- Unable to send/receive emails.
- It will take longer time to load and open emails.
- Search results are delayed.
- Outlook cannot synchronize properly.
- PST backup takes longer.
- Outlook PST data files too large warning appears again and again.
- Outlook crashes while accessing a mailbox.
How to Fix Outlook Data File Too Large?
If your Outlook is working then we can reduce Outlook mailbox size by archiving old emails, removing large attachments and emails, emptying Trash and Spam folders, compacting data files, and splitting large files into smaller parts.
Before Starting, Check Outlook Mailbox Size
- Open Outlook and go to the “File” and “Info” tabs.
- Choose “Tools” >> “Mailbox Cleanup” option.
- Now, choose “View Mailbox” size.
- Now, you can analyze the mailbox size.
If your mailbox size is full then jump to the working techniques to fix “Outlook data file too large” issue.
Method 1: Delete Unwanted Emails and Large Attachments
If your mailbox contains unnecessary emails, then delete them. Select your emails, then choose Delete icon. Also, large attachments take more storage space than emails, so find large attachments and save them locally and delete them from email.
Method 2: Clean Trash and Spam
After deleting emails, it moved into Trash folder for next 14 to 30 days. This means your data is still in Outlook. So clean Trash/Bin folder for more storage space.
Also, promotional and spam emails directly land in Spam folder, so we can also clean it and remove them from Trash folder permanently.
Method 3: Fix “Outlook Data File Too Large” Issue by Archiving Old Emails
- Go to “File” >> “Info” in Outlook.
- Choose “Tools” >> “Clean Up Old Items or Archive”.
- Choose “Archive this folder and all subfolders” option.
- Select any folder that contains older emails.
- Choose any date under “Archive items older than”.
- Select destination as saving location.
- Click the “OK” button.
Method 4: Compact Large Data Files
- Open “MS Outlook” >> “File” tab.
- Choose “Account Settings → Account Settings”.
- Go to the “Data Files” option.
- Choose data file you want to compact.
- Select “Settings” >> “Compact Now” option.
- Wait for the process and choose “OK” button.
Method 5: Split Large Data File into Smaller Files
If your Outlook doesn’t open or load emails and you don’t want to delete any data from data file, then you should use PST Splitter. This software helps users reduce mailbox size without deleting any data into smaller files and helps to fix “Outlook data file too large” issue. Users can handle small data files easily and access required one whenever needed. It creates UNICODE PST file that can be accepted in all latest Outlook versions.
It comes with multiple advanced features and free demo version, so you can try it to understand performance.
How to Fix Outlook Data File Too Large Issue?
- Download and install the software on your system.
- Use “Add Files” or “Add Folders” to upload large data file.
- Browse on your machine and use “Open” button.
- Use “Browse” button to select saving location of smaller files.
- Tap the “Next” button and choose “Split Option” accordingly.
- Again, choose “Next” button to continue the process.
- Select a password to protect output file and the analysis process.
- Wait for process to complete and select “OK” icon.
Why Only This Software Over Manual Techniques?
Manual techniques require working and responsive Outlook account, but if your application is freezing and not responding and wants to fix Outlook data file too large issue, then use suggested solution with these features:
- This software allows you to divide large files by size, date, year, folders, category, subject, email ID, etc.
- This software can handle all types of damaged, orphan, inaccessible and corrupted files and export them into healthy format.
- This software maintains data components and email elements during the process.
- It can divide multiple PST files in bulk at once without repeating same steps for each file.
- It helps to divide files by size, year, date, folder, email ID, category etc.
- This software can handle files from 1 MB to 1 TB without crashing or freezing.
Conclusion
If your Outlook data file too large to handle or open then you can delete unwanted emails and large attachments, clean Trash and Spam folders, archive old emails and compress file sizes etc. If your Outlook is unable to load emails and data or you don’t want to delete any data, then you should use automated solution. The suggested tool can divide your large data files into smaller files and resolve “Outlook PST file too large” issue. You can connect with us through live chat support.