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My Outlook has been running really slow lately, and I just realized that my PST file has grown way too large. I read somewhere that a bloated PST can cause performance issues or even corruption risks. Some people suggest compacting the PST file to reduce its size, but I am not sure if that is the right approach. Has anyone here tried compacting their PST file? Does it really help in improving Outlook performance and preventing errors? Or are there better methods to safely reduce PST size without losing any data?
Most users of Microsoft Outlook have faced problems related to the PST file (Personal Storage Table) at some point in time. When the size of the PST file becomes very large, Outlook performance may slow down, it may take time to open/send emails, and sometimes the file may also get corrupted. In such a situation, the first question that comes to mind is, is compacting the PST file the right solution to this problem?
My Outlook PST file had become very large, due to which Outlook started working very slowly. Even after deleting and archiving, the size was not reducing. Then I tried the DataVare Outlook PST Compact Expert Tool.
With the help of this tool, I compacted my large PST file without any data loss. The best thing about this is that it only deletes space and does not delete emails, attachments, or any data. Now my PST file has become smaller and Outlook is running faster than before.
If anyone is facing a problem due to a large PST file, then this tool can prove to be very helpful.
An OST (Offline Storage Table) file is created when Outlook works in Cached Exchange Mode or with IMAP accounts. If you want to back up your mailbox, migrate to another system, or access data after Exchange disconnection, you may need to convert the OST into PST (Personal Storage Table) format.
Manual Methods to Convert OST to PST
Method 1: Export Mailbox to PST (Best Way, if Outlook is accessible)
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Open Outlook with the same profile where OST is configured.
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Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
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Select Export to a file → click Next.
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Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) → Next.
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Select the folders you want to export (enable Include subfolders).
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Browse the location, choose options for duplicates, and click Finish.
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(Optional) Set a password for PST.
This will create a new PST file containing your Outlook mailbox.
Method 2: Use Drag & Drop Method
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In Outlook, create a new blank PST file (File > Account Settings > Data Files > Add).
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Open your OST mailbox.
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Select folders/emails and drag them into the new PST file.
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Limitation: Tedious if you have a large mailbox, and calendar/contacts need manual export.
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Limitations of Manual Methods
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You must have access to Outlook with the original Exchange/MAPI profile.
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If OST is orphaned (server not connected or profile deleted), manual methods won’t work.
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Large OST files may take hours to export.
Alternative Solution
If your OST file is orphaned, corrupted, or you don’t have access to the original Outlook profile, the only solution is to use a professional ATS OST to PST Converter tool. Such tools allow you to directly open OST files and export all data (emails, contacts, calendars, attachments) into PST without needing the Exchange server.
I was facing a slowness problem in Outlook for the last few months. My PST file had become about 15 GB, and Outlook was crashing frequently. Then I tried Softaken Compress PST Software. In just a few minutes, my file got reduced by 40% and Outlook is now running smoothly. The best thing was that there was no loss of any email or attachment. If your PST file has also become large and Outlook is running slowly, then definitely try Softaken Compress PST once. This is a very user-friendly and effective tool.
No Data Loss
Fast Compression
Simple Interface
Hope this information will be useful
Large PST files can easily get corrupted in Outlook, making it difficult to access crucial emails. This is why many professionals rely on the MailsDaddy PST Split Tool to keep their data safe. The tool allows users to split PST files into smaller parts, ensuring that mailbox performance remains smooth and error-free. It offers several splitting options—by size, date, folder, and sender ID—giving flexibility to manage data the way you want. Unlike manual methods, it guarantees 100% data security and doesn’t compromise email integrity, attachments, or folder structure. Whether you’re an individual Outlook user or an organization managing multiple accounts, this software helps in avoiding downtime and ensures proper mailbox management. Its compatibility with all Outlook versions, including the latest 2021 and 2019 editions, makes it a reliable choice.
