can't add outlook data file (pst)

Hi there,
After formatting my computer hard disk I was attempting to restore my outlook (MS Office Pro 2003, Windows xp). I had several data files (.pst) backed up, one of which is rather big (~ 2 GB). So I did the:
data files management >
add... >
Office outlook personal folders file (.pst) >
(browsed and selected the file)

A message appeared that the selected file was not closed properly and then another message suggested the following: "The file xxx.pst has reach its maximum size. To reduce the amount of data in this file, select some items that you no longer need, then permanently (shift + del) delete them."

How can I delete items from within a pst file that wouldn't open? Or else - any other suggestion?

Thanks much,
dano

The limitation size for 03 is 2G. It will usually crap on you about 1.8G tho. To fix and save your data, you will need to find a data recovery software for pst files. then you can split the data in half and have 2 working pst files. Alternatively you can update your Outlook to 07 which does not have the pst file limitation.

Thanks Chrisxs5, this was quick. Any particular recovery software you would recommend? Freeware would be prefered, of course.

Never found a successful freeware version, if you find one let me know. I bought and have used kernal repair for awhile now.

http://www.recovermails.com/pst-recovery.html

It was about 50 when I bought but have used several times to save customers pst files.

I have used Stellar Phoenix pst repair software to repair and recover my pst file.You can use this software it is very easy to use and provides good recovery solution.

File size is one of the major issues associated with outlook and restoring such huge sized files is another complicated time consuming task. Truly deleting the items won’t be possible until the files are opened. Archiving though a viable option is not applicable as the PST files are not in accessible condition. All you can do is compacting PST, if this can help is good.    Or you should better split PST file it is more preferable because data won’t be lost or truncated provided you do the work with professional PST splitter.     

Thanks Chrisxs5, this was quick. Any particular recovery software you would recommend? Freeware would be prefered, of course.

This is correct. If you NEED outlook then so be it, otherwise, I suggest Mozilla Thunderbird. Transferring emails back and forth from different programs is sooo much easier with thunderbird.

[Moderator]

This thread is from 2008

When the PST file exceeds 2 GB file size limit it gets corrupted and hence cannot be accessed. This is the reason why you are unable to open your oversized PST file. At this situation Scanpst.exe Outlook 2003 also fails to repair the corrupted PST file. Therefore you need to use a third party Outlook PST repair tool and recover the lost PST file data.

[Moderator]

You are responding to a thread that is a year old.

[Moderator]

It's like Deja' Vu all over again...

[Moderator]

Just noticed that. Okay, see you here next year - same bat time.....

[Moderator]

Same bat channel....

[Moderator]

Hi there,
After formatting my computer hard disk I was attempting to restore my outlook (MS Office Pro 2003, Windows xp). I had several data files (.pst) backed up, one of which is rather big (~ 2 GB). So I did the:
data files management >
add... >
Office outlook personal folders file (.pst) >
(browsed and selected the file)

A message appeared that the selected file was not closed properly and then another message suggested the following: "The file xxx.pst has reach its maximum size. To reduce the amount of data in this file, select some items that you no longer need, then permanently (shift + del) delete them."

How can I delete items from within a pst file that wouldn't open? Or else - any other suggestion?

Thanks much,
dano

if you are receiving  "The file xxx.pst has reach its maximum size. To reduce the amount of data in this file, select some items that you no longer need, then permanently (shift + del) delete them." then you really need to reduce the file size of MS outlook for you can use Microsoft 2GB truncation tool. it is specially made to reduce the file size after croping unused file you have to perform outlook pst repair. when you repair Outlook pst using scanpst.exe after that you may be able to access your outlook emails and contacts.