Outlook 2003: Pst File Size Issues In Imap Account

By Author: Mohit Mathur
Total Articles: 105
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Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Microsoft Outlook 2003 impose a larger file size limit and a different file format (Unicode) for its personal folders. Also termed as PSTs, these files can now store more messages as compared to earlier American National Standards Institute (ANSI) format files used in Microsoft Outlook 2002 and earlier. But contrary to popular belief, not all accounts in Microsoft Outlook 2003 use the standard Unicode file format. The Internet Message Access Protocol Version 4rev1 (IMAP4) accounts and HTTP accounts in Outlook 2003 still use ANSI PST files and thus are susceptible to same file size issues as in earlier versions. Consequently, Outlook 2003 users need more management techniques to keep their PST files in size. One of the best remedy against increasing size of an Outlook 2003 PST in these accounts is to Split PST File.

For more understanding on the topic, let's suppose that you use Microsoft Outlook 2003 with an IMAP account. Without realizing the fact that PST can store only limited number of e-mails, you continue receiving large number of e-mails. As a result, the PST file grows to a considerable ...
... size value. You start observing several performance issues such as, slow Outlook, delays in receiving and sending e-mails, and more. On investigating the issue, you find the PST file size large.

Note: A large PST is prone to corruption. An ANSI PST, which is used in IMAP and HTTP accounts of Outlook 2003 is limited to 2 GB and can get corrupt beyond this limit.

Methods of Recovery

Following are a few tips to isolate the specific issue:

(1) Upgrade to MS Outlook 2007 if you want to continue using an IMAP account, but with a PST of large size limit.

(2) Delete the unwanted e-mails, contacts, etc., and empty the 'Deleted Items' folder. Compact the PST file.

(3) Use a third-party utility to Split PST.

A commercial application to Split Large PST File can divide the PST file in several smaller parts, each with the competency to be used within Outlook. With their user-friendly interface, you may find these utilities easy to run.

Stellar Phoenix PST File Splitter is a safe product that splits an Outlook PST created with MS Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002, and 2000. This Split PST File software can divide the file on the basis of e-mail ID and message date. The tool is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003, and 2000.

Mohit Mathur has passion for writing Technical articles. He is right now writing articles related to products like Split PST File & PST Password Recovery and has now become a professional writer.
For more information please visit:- http://www.split-pst-file.com/