Can't Start Outlook with Oversized PST

Microsoft Outlook 2002 and versions earlier to it limit the Outlook PST file size to 2 GB. If the file size reaches this value or exceeds it, you may fail to load or open it. At times, you cannot add more data to such file. The problem is described as PST 2 GB problem. To bring some differences in such situations, Microsoft provides pst2gb tool. But it truncates the file rather reducing its original size. Microsoft also provides different service packs that enable Outlook to stop accepting any data after the file reaches to 2 GB. Though this prevents the file from being oversized, but you can hardly perform any mail related operations, such as to create calendars, save appointments, send or receive emails etc. Unless you remove large amount of data from or reduce its overall size, the problem continues. Once suggested trick to accomplish this is to Split PST File using third-party tools.

For example, consider a situation when you try to start Microsoft Outlook 2002 or an earlier version. The application may fail to start with no notice or some errors, such as it cannot open the default mail folders.

Cause

The above symtoms can occur if you are using an oversized .pst file as your default mail delivery location.

Such problems are not encountered in Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007 since these versions support Unicode format. Therefore, the default file size limitation of .pst file is 20 GB, which is much larger than its earlier limit.

Solution

You can these methods to overcome the described file oversize issue:

1-You can upgrade your ANSI formatted file to new Unicode format in Outlook 2003 or higher version.
2-If this fails, you can use pst2gb tool. But this is not a preferred method as you lose some data permanently while file truncation.
3-You can Split PST to obtain several smaller .pst files. In this operation, each file contains a part of original PST, but is less than 2 GB in size value. Split PST File software can safely divide a large .pst file, where each file is directly usable with Outlook.

PST File Splitter is a well-known product for splitting large sized PST file with safest results. The Split PST software can divide the file on the basis of sender's email ID and date. The interface of software is quite interactive with Outlook resembling 3-view structure. It supports Outlook 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000.

Unknown Error in Messaging Interface of Outlook

A large sized PST can introduce several performance issues for Outlook. Also, such files are more prone to corruption due to their file size limitation. Microsoft Outlook exhibits unusual behavior and momentarily stops responding while typical mail operations when its PST grows large in size . Thus, to reduce, though not totally eliminate, the impact of large PST, Outlook 2003 brings in a new data structure for these files. However, performance and operational issue still persist. To solve them, you are suggested to split PST into several smaller .pst files.

For instance, you might receive the below error code while normal operations with Microsoft Outlook:

“The messaging interface has returned an unknown error. If the problem persists, start Outlook again.”

This error is typically encountered when you try checking for a new email message, creating or deleting a Calendar entry, deleting an item from Inbox and Contacts or sending a fax. These operations fail after you receive this error message.

Cause

The error occurs typically with a large PST file size. If the PST has crossed the built-in size limit, it may create the situations, such as described above.

Solution

You should consider applying these suggestions to isolate the given problem:

1-Microsoft Outlook includes a feature called 'Allow upgrade to large tables' that you can use to increase the limit enforced on number of messages contained in a folder and number of folders contained in a file of PST
2-Reduce the PST file size by emptying the Deleted Items folder
3-You can create a new PST file and import your messages from the original PST file
4-Use third-party PST File Splitter utilities that could split the large size .pst file into several smaller .pst files

Split PST utilities are feature-rich applications that use systematic approach to divide a large PST file. These software are quite easy to use because of the interactive design they provide. Such tools serve as suitable applications for creating smaller .pst files from a single PST. Moreover, they are safe to use and perform non-destructive operations.

PST File Splitter is a high-end tool known for splitting a PST file into multiple .pst files. The tool uses advanced, yet safe, algorithms. It is a secure PST File Splitter that provides easy to understand view and powerful features. The tools allows splitting the file via two criteria: by e-mail ID and by date. It supports Outlook 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000.