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.
 

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 reason as to why you are unable to copy the data can be attributed by the fact that the PST file might have been corrupted or is in some kind of damaged state. You need to first see if the file is oversized or not. In the event if the file has exceeded the 2GB limit, then you need to split PST file using the Outlook inbuilt application called 2gbpst.exe. Also try to repair the file using scanpst.exe tool.

Hi,

Your PST file is oversized. Microsoft Outlook 2002 and earlier versions limit the size of Personal Folders (PST) file to 2GB. Whenever the PST file reaches or exceeds that limit, you will not be able to open or load it any more, or you cannot add any new data to it. This is called oversized PST file problem. More detailed information can be found at http://www.datanumen.com/aor/problems/2gb-pst.htm

You can use Outlook recovery tools to solve the problem. Below is a list of them:

http://www.datanumen.com/aor/compare.htm

Some tools will convert the oversized PST file into Outlook 2003 format. Others will split it into smaller pieces. Most of them provide a free demo so you can try first.

Steve

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

Adfter formatting if you are receiving an error message that xxx.pst file has is not closed properly. It happens mainly due t oversized PST File. Sometimes corruption or damage happens in your PST file due to virus attach or improper handling of an outlook. This may lead and make your PST file inaccessible. As you would ot be bale to access out your contacts emails and any attachments and other related documents which is stored in your PST file. Split in PST file is due to oversized 2GB. In this salutation you can go for third party utility ,

Edit: Spam removed.

[Moderator]

He hasn't been back in 4 Years...

He hasn't been back in 4 Years...

BUT HOPE REMAINS!

The limitation size for 03 is 2G. It will usually crap on you about 1.8G tho. To fix and save your data.....

Wait, haven't we already had this conversation?

[Moderator]

See above ^^^^....

*censored* fire.