[Ham-Computers] RE: SCANPST

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Yes, PST files created in Outlook 97/98/2000/2002(XP) are hard limited to 2GB.  This fact is documented by Microsoft (see the link in my previous post) as well as verbal confirmation from Microsoft (I have access to Microsoft via a Premier Support contract).

I've observed the limit myself - trust me, everyone loves to save their e-mails with huge attachments!  I've spent many a day repairing "broken" PST files at work.  Microsoft's recommendation is to stay under 1GB for best performance.  Between 1GB and 2GB, performance starts to suffer (actually, the larger the PST is, the more performance suffers), and when you add that last e-mail to break the 2GB limit, Outlook may crash and the PST is no longer accessible.

Gordon, what version of Outlook are you using?  If it's 2003 or newer, then it defaults to creating the newer PST format that doesn't have the 2GB limit.  However, I would still recommend keeping any PST under 1GB and creating additional PST's when 1GB is reached.  Backups are also easier with smaller files.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
To: 'Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications, or experimenting'
Subject: RE: [Ham-Computers] RE: SCANPST

Aaron,

PST files max at 2GB?  I thought it was 4GB.  I have several in the 3.3GB range with no problems other than some sluggishness.  Are you sure that 2GB is the max?

Thanks!

Gordon Beattie, W2TTT
201.314.6964


-----Original Message-----

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  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/296088/en-us
 
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