How to Archive Old Mail in Outlook to Keep the PST File Small
As the pile of mail you keep in Outlook grows, so, typically, does the time it takes Outlook to do what you want it to do. The PST file size limit looms. (The PST or “Personal Folders” file is where Outlook keeps all your data, including calendars, contacts, and emails.) To create an archive of old messages in Outlook separate from the PST file you use every day:
Move Mail to the Archive
To populate your newly created archive PST, drag and drop entire folders to the root folder newly appearing under Mail Folders. This is handy if you already have an Archive folder that contains, say, all of last year’s mail. Just drop it into the archive PST. Alternatively, to archive individual items:
Close the Archive PST File
After you have archived all items, you can close the PST file in Outlook:
Access Mail From a Closed Archive PST File
To retrieve messages from an archive PST file you have closed:
A Small PST File Is a Fast PST File
It pays to keep the size of your main PST file small and manageable. You can have Outlook do some of that using AutoArchive or divide your messages between more PST files, which can be painless and swift.
