What to Do if Large PST File Crashes Outlook

Email communication has become a quintessential part of the modern workplace. Therefore, many organizations choose to use Outlook email to fulfill their needs. However, there are times when a large PST file crashes Outlook altogether. Failing to deal with this problem can result in productivity issues and prove to be very costly. So we have written this article as an antidote to this problem. But before we fix this issue it is vital to become aware of the various nuances so let’s start from there.

Symptoms of a Filled Outlook Mailbox

Whenever users ask “what to do if large PST file crashes Outlook” they more often than not have encountered the following:

Slow Performance: Although PST files have a max limit of 50 GB(in the latest Outlook Version) it is not recommended to fill to the brim. This is because it results in sluggish behavior and may also freeze Outlook.

Frequent Crashes: Users want to open Outlook to read emails, not error messages. But these alerts become the norm when Outlook is overwhelmed with large PST files, causing crashes occasionally.

Email Deadlock: When an Outlook PST file nears its size limit it can even prevent users from sending or receiving emails. This leads to communication breakdown and results in all sorts of issues.

Apart from this, there are other telltale signs such as delayed email delivery, missing folders, or incomplete synchronization all indicating a loaded PST file. 

Also Read: Methods to Migrate Exchange 2010 to 2016 Easily

Reasons Why a Large PST File Crashes Outlook

In this section, we will go over the reasons why data accumulates in a PST file causing it to grow larger than required. 

File Size Limitation: The maximum size limit allowed on PST files has increased drastically from 2GB in Outlook 2002 to 50 GB in the latest 2022 version. So if a user for any reason chooses to migrate to a previous version of Outlook they may face some issues.

Excessive Data Accumulation: Nowadays hardly any email is strictly text-based. Most of them include one attachment or the other which can quickly clog up the PST file increasing the potential of Outlook crashing

Disk Storage Issue: If proper storage mechanisms are not placed while setting up Outlook it can lead to insufficient disk space. Moreover, it can severely impact Outlook’s ability to read and write data from PST files.

Corrupt PST Files: Many external factors like power outages, cyber-attacks, etc. can cause PST files to become faulty. This can in turn cause Outlook to interpret it as a PST file with excessive data resulting in crashes.

Also Read: Why and How to Migrate Exchange 2013 to 2019 Error-Free

Now that users are well-versed in both symptoms and reasons for Large PST files causing Outlook to crash we are now free to discuss the mechanisms to resolve this issue.

The Problem of Large PST File Crashing Outlook Solved Manually

There are three techniques to deal with large PST files we will go over them one by one.

First Method: Compress the PST file

To do this follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Initiate the process, by launching the Outlook application on your device. 

2. Then, proceed to navigate to the File tab and locate the Info option. 

3. With a click of the cursor, a menu will appear. Within this menu, go to Account Settings. 
4. Once again select the Account Settings option. 

5. A new window opens, Look for the Data File, where the chosen file is situated.

6. The next step in this process is to push the Compact Now button. 

7. At last, click the OK button, and congrats on the process being completed.

If the manual method feels confusing, users can go for the professional PST File Compress Tool.

Second Method: Archive The PST File:

The following are the steps to archive emails in Outlook

Step-1. 

• In Outlook 2013: Click on File, then go to Info, Select Cleanup Tools, and choose Archive.
• In Outlook 2016: Click on File, then go to Info, Select Cleanup Tools, and choose  Clean up old items.

Step-2. Select “Archive this folder and all subfolders” and choose the desired folder.

Step-3. Set the date for archiving under “Archive items older than.”

Step-4. Check “Include items with Do not AutoArchive” to include individual folders.

Step-5. Click OK.

Third Method: Remove Attachments

1. Open Outlook on your PC.
2. Look for Mail Cleanup in the Tools Section
3. From the Various available options choose the one most suitable to your particular scenario.

Or you can also try to remove attachments manually. 

None of the above methods, apart from the tool, offer a sure-shot solution; therefore, it becomes necessary to look for alternatives.

Modern Method to Resolve Large PST File Crashes Outlook 

When it comes to handling large PST files in Outlook, whether you’re an individual or a business inundated with emails, there’s a game-changing solution at your disposal. Enter the reliable and user-friendly PST Split Tool, designed to effectively break down those oversized PST files into smaller, more manageable parts. Embracing this tool is a breeze, with just a few simple steps to follow:

Step-1. Launch the software on your computer, and immerse yourself in its intuitive interface.

Step-2. Select the target PST file for splitting, and specify the desired size for each resultant file, granting you complete control.

Step-3. Tailor the splitting process to your preferences, leveraging the software’s flexibility to split by date range or specific folders.

Step-4. With all the necessary configurations in place, initiate the splitting operation by clicking the Split button, relinquishing the rest to the capable hands of the software.

Naturally, the process may vary depending on the size of the original file, but rest assured, the utility effortlessly adapts to any challenge it encounters. Once users experience the tool’s remarkable capabilities, they might find themselves pondering why they didn’t discover it sooner. Its sleek and straightforward user interface, extensive customization options, and impeccable data management system position it as a frontrunner in the competitive market for such tools. Revolutionize your Outlook experience and bid farewell to the constraints of large PST files once and for all.

Conclusion

Users have now unlocked the secrets to effortlessly splitting their Outlook PST files into manageable parts. With this tutorial, all their problems like large PST file crashes Outlook cease to exist. Accompanied by a step-by-step guide for using the professional software. Users can say goodbye to data loss and embrace a seamless emailing experience.