When PCs go bad - an Outlook 2003 warning!

[BrianS]

How was I to know that Outlook had a 2Gb limit on its .pst (Personal Folders) file but that it starts to get unstable at about 1.6Gb

Perhaps a warning to other heavy email users on Outlook.

Outlook was working fine this morning when I had to restart XP. Upon restarting, it automatically ran a chkdsk routine and said it had fixed a load of file errors. In actual fact it had managed to "fix" my Outlook .pst file such that it was 0 (as in NIL) kb! Outlook wouldn't start up as it wouldn't recognise the file - understandably.

After wasting a good few hours chasing up blind alleys on Google and Microsoft support pages, I gave in and restored an old copy of .pst but it does mean I have lost all email copied to my Personal Folders (where I have a comprehensive filing system) between 23 September and today.

Check the size of your .pst files folks

No excuse really as I recently bought a 500Gb external drive for backing up the family's poots

I really need to look into whether there is some backup software available that, having done a complete backup, then only backs up changes....

 

[garfield]

as an IT Director I know this one well.....often best to split your .pst files.....months, themes by period etc.....harsh lesson to learn.....

 

[Clive]

I really need to look into whether there is some backup software available that, having done a complete backup, then only backs up changes....

I use robocopy (available here I think the 2003 version will work on XP, can't find the XP version)
and "xp scheduled jobs" to keep mirrors of PCs/Laptops to a NAS device.

 

[ianf]

Simple rule. Older than 2 months bin it. If it's important, file it within 2 months, job done.

 

[BrianS]

Still smarting after losing a month's worth of email moved into Personal Folders so am taking time out this morning to follow your good advice and whittle down and better organise my pst file.

I found an excellent article using Google which even has a short video showing how to set up extra pst files.

http://ask-leo.com/what_can_i_do_about_outlooks_huge_pst.html

Off to have a play now but thanks again for the help

 

[turbine_2]

Typically, it's common knowledge but only once your file has exceeded 2Gb.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

set up a gmail account and fwd all mail to that

 

[Radar_UK]

I though Outlook 2003 PST files had a 20Gb size limit by default ? It is the pre 2003 versions that are limited to 2Gb or am I mis-informed ?

 

[Hustler]

Simple rule. Older than 2 months bin it. If it's important, file it within 2 months, job done.

Is excellent advice, I really need to follow it.
I've got stuff that's old, very old.
I'm going to make a start now, thank you.