How do I split a PST file into multiple smaller parts?
The quickest way to split a PST file into multiple smaller parts is to create new PSTs in Outlook and move/export chunks of data (by date, folder, or size-like batches), or use a dedicated PST splitter that automates splitting by size, date, year, folder, or sender while preserving structure and integrity.
Manual in Outlook
• Use Export to PST in batches: In Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file > Outlook Data File (.pst), then export selected folders with Include subfolders checked; repeat with different date ranges or folders to create multiple smaller PSTs.
• Create a new empty PST and move items: File > Account Settings > Data Files > Add to make a new PST, then move/copy selected folders or time-sliced messages into that PST to reduce the original file size in controlled chunks.
• Notes and limits: Manual methods are workarounds; they reduce size by selectively exporting/moving data and require Outlook, careful selection, and multiple passes, with some risk of time/effort and data integrity if done hastily.
Automated tools
• What they do: Purpose-built splitters can split by size (e.g., 1–5 GB per file), date or year, folder, and sender email ID, preserving folder hierarchy and metadata and avoiding Outlook limits or manual repetition.
• Example capabilities: Tools such as vMail PST Splitter handle very large PSTs (50 GB+) and support Unicode/ANSI PST, splitting by date, size, email ID, or folder, and can process multiple PSTs simultaneously on modern Windows/Outlook versions.
• Typical steps: Launch splitter, browse to source PST, choose split criterion (size/date/folder/sender), set parameters and destination, then run to produce multiple smaller PSTs with preserved structure.
When to choose which
• Choose manual if you only need a few targeted exports (e.g., archive last year into a separate PST) and are comfortable doing multiple exports/moves inside Outlook without extra software.
• Choose automated if the PST is very large, you want uniform size-based parts, need multiple criteria, want to maintain hierarchy with minimal effort, or must process multiple PSTs reliably and quickly.
Practical tips
• Plan by date slices: Export or split by year or quarter to keep each output PST well under your target size and easier to manage or back up.
• Keep integrity: Before splitting, ensure Outlook is closed for external tools, and consider backing up the original PST; reputable splitters maintain folder hierarchy and metadata during splitting.
• Verify results: After each batch or automated run, add the new PSTs in Outlook (File > Account Settings > Data Files > Add) and spot-check folders and counts before deleting or archiving data from the source.
FAQ phrasing
• If asking “How do I split a PST file into multiple smaller parts?” or “How do I split a PST file,” use Outlook’s Export and new-PST move methods for manual control, or deploy a PST splitter to automate size/date/year/folder/sender-based splits while preserving structure and reducing effort.
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