Some versions of Outlook place a limit on the size of the PST file but unfortunately do not actually prevent the file from reaching that size.
In fact, it does not even warn the user of the file size while the result of crossing the limit is instant corruption in the PST file.
Our article looks at how users should constantly monitor the size of these files to avoid this problem.
Very often, Outlook experts are approached by users who unknowingly have crossed the size limit of around 2 GB, set by some versions of Outlook and find themselves with a corrupt Personal Storage File.
Before we look at how we can avoid reaching this stage, we need to understand if there are any standard tools provided by Microsoft to fix this problem.
Fortunately, there are.
The Oversized PST and OST Crop Tool is supposed to help you reduce the size of the PST file, make the file accessible once again and thus help in Outlook recovery.
Typically, an Outlook user will face error messages when Outlook is just starting up.
This is when the Personal Folder is scanned and checked for errors - if the PST file is found to be damaged or corrupt, Outlook may suggest that you use the Inbox Repair tool (Scanpst.
exe) to carry out a quick scan and identify the errors.
Again, if there is just slight damage to the file, the Inbox Repair tool may be able to fix the errors and you will be able to open the PST file.
On the other hand, if the Inbox Repair tool fails, you should immediately check the size of the PST file.
If it is at or over 2 GB, it is possible that your Personal Storage file has become corrupt and you need to use some other tools for Outlook recovery.
Microsoft Outlook, as mentioned earlier, provides a Crop tool that is to be used exactly in such situations.
When a user has allowed the PST file size to reach or cross the 2GB mark, corrupting the file, the only tool that can repair the file is the Crop tool and not the Inbox Repair tool.
However, users should take note of the way in which the Crop tool works.
This tool essentially aims to reduce the size of the PST file to a little under 2 GB so that you can access the file.
The user, though, has no control on what the tool is going to crop or delete, in order to reduce the size of the file.
It is possible that the tool deletes data that is mission critical.
On the other hand, it does reduce the size of the file so that Outlook can open the PST file for you to work on.
If you are not happy with the Crop tool because of the uncertainty over what data might be lost, you might want to consider using Advanced Outlook Repair.
Designed by experts who have years of experience in data recovery, this tool has very powerful features but a very user-friendly interface.
It will help you carry out an Outlook recovery on corrupt PST files that are very large in size and yet avoid loss of data.
Since Outlook does not actually prevent the PST file from increasing beyond the limits placed or even provide a warning, it is highly advisable that Outlook users constantly monitor the size of this file to avoid corruption in the file.
Product can be found at http://www.
repair-outlook.
com/
In fact, it does not even warn the user of the file size while the result of crossing the limit is instant corruption in the PST file.
Our article looks at how users should constantly monitor the size of these files to avoid this problem.
Very often, Outlook experts are approached by users who unknowingly have crossed the size limit of around 2 GB, set by some versions of Outlook and find themselves with a corrupt Personal Storage File.
Before we look at how we can avoid reaching this stage, we need to understand if there are any standard tools provided by Microsoft to fix this problem.
Fortunately, there are.
The Oversized PST and OST Crop Tool is supposed to help you reduce the size of the PST file, make the file accessible once again and thus help in Outlook recovery.
Typically, an Outlook user will face error messages when Outlook is just starting up.
This is when the Personal Folder is scanned and checked for errors - if the PST file is found to be damaged or corrupt, Outlook may suggest that you use the Inbox Repair tool (Scanpst.
exe) to carry out a quick scan and identify the errors.
Again, if there is just slight damage to the file, the Inbox Repair tool may be able to fix the errors and you will be able to open the PST file.
On the other hand, if the Inbox Repair tool fails, you should immediately check the size of the PST file.
If it is at or over 2 GB, it is possible that your Personal Storage file has become corrupt and you need to use some other tools for Outlook recovery.
Microsoft Outlook, as mentioned earlier, provides a Crop tool that is to be used exactly in such situations.
When a user has allowed the PST file size to reach or cross the 2GB mark, corrupting the file, the only tool that can repair the file is the Crop tool and not the Inbox Repair tool.
However, users should take note of the way in which the Crop tool works.
This tool essentially aims to reduce the size of the PST file to a little under 2 GB so that you can access the file.
The user, though, has no control on what the tool is going to crop or delete, in order to reduce the size of the file.
It is possible that the tool deletes data that is mission critical.
On the other hand, it does reduce the size of the file so that Outlook can open the PST file for you to work on.
If you are not happy with the Crop tool because of the uncertainty over what data might be lost, you might want to consider using Advanced Outlook Repair.
Designed by experts who have years of experience in data recovery, this tool has very powerful features but a very user-friendly interface.
It will help you carry out an Outlook recovery on corrupt PST files that are very large in size and yet avoid loss of data.
Since Outlook does not actually prevent the PST file from increasing beyond the limits placed or even provide a warning, it is highly advisable that Outlook users constantly monitor the size of this file to avoid corruption in the file.
Product can be found at http://www.
repair-outlook.
com/