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General discussion

.pst files do I really need them?

Feb 3, 2005 5:41AM PST

Just went to defrag my disk and it tells my that my outlook pst file is almost 500mb. Seems a bit large since I don't have alot of contacts or emails. Is there a way to edit this or condense it?

Discussion is locked

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When you open Outlook,
Feb 3, 2005 5:53AM PST

after a short time, doesn't it offer to archive your data???

Are addresses the only thing in Outlook???

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Only addresses
Feb 3, 2005 6:37AM PST

There is nothing else that I know of other then addresses

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have you deleted your deleted mail?
Feb 3, 2005 8:15AM PST

Outlook and Outlook Express have many folders where your mail can be stored. I'd suggest you check every folder to see if there is old mail stored that you may have overlooked.

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Deleted everything
Feb 3, 2005 9:11AM PST

except for a couple of emails with no attachments

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It is possible to have more than one...
Feb 5, 2005 2:19AM PST

outlook.PST file (often happens if message store is changed).

Search your hard drive(s) for all files named OUTLOOK.PST. Each that you find can be opened in outlook by selecting to do so from the Files menu.

If you do only show one and it is large and you absolutely see no messages in any folder under Personal Folders take a look at the View Menu (must be in Inbox or another folder) then Current View and make sure that either Messages or Messages with Auto Preview is selected rather than Unread or Last 7 days (both of the latter will hide messages from view).

If that is correct then you might try clicking once on Personal Folders then Properties then the Advanced button and Compact Now.