Manage Outlook Data Files

Through normal daily usage, Outlook’s data file (usually called outlook.pst) can really grow in size. If you think about it, all your messages and attachments are stored in this single file. Of course if it grows too large you can really start to experience performance problems, so here are aÂ couple of things you can do to help keep the size of your data file under control:

1. Archive your old messages (File > Archive). This moves messages from your outlook.pst file to an alternate data fileÂ (usually called archive.pst) so you can access old messages when you need to without cluttering up your primary data file.

2. Compact your data file (File > Data File Management > Settings > Compact Now). Like any database, over time it becomes “bloated” through normal usage. This removes some of the bloating.

Like any program, normal maintenance can go a long way to helping performance.

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Joe
When you state compact your file by (File>Archive), how do you do that? I can’t find the “Archive” part of this. Thx.
drisley
I use Outlook 2003 and the option is there. However, I had to expand the FILE menu, because by default those options you don’t use very often are hidden. Perhaps that is the problem for you?
http://132solutions.com jfaulkner
I should have noted this in the tip, but the Compact feature is only available in Outlook, not Outlook Express.
I’ll post a follow up tip in a few days to ellaborate more on this information.
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