Need advice on MS Outlook data file transfer

[Pally]

I am trying to transfer a 6.9GB MS Outlook pst data file from my desktop to my laptop. While I have an external drive with enough free space, I'm running into the problem where the FILE IS TOO LARGE to copy, move, etc.. per MS OS. Is there anyway around this without having to re-format my external drive? I also tried to zipfile it and I did a MS backup on the pst data file from the desktop in order to restore it to the laptop, both did not work! Thanks in advance!

[Mute]

First step before you do anything else.

In Outlook, click:

-File, select Data Management
-Select the Data Files tab (older versions of Outlook won't have a tab)
-Find your pst file. Highlight it and click Settings
-Under the General tab
-Click the Compact Now button

It might take some time. Let it finish its job. Then see if the pst file is small enough to work with.

[Pally]

First step before you do anything else.

In Outlook, click:

-File, select Data Management
-Select the Data Files tab (older versions of Outlook won't have a tab)
-Find your pst file. Highlight it and click Settings
-Under the General tab
-Click the Compact Now button

It might take some time. Let it finish its job. Then see if the pst file is small enough to work with.

Thanks for your reply. While following your directions, I realized that I failed to note which version of Outlook I am using (MS Office Pro 2010, Outlook Version 14.0.7128.5000 (32 bit) and therefore I did not locate the Data Management area. Is it located in another area?

[Gutz]

Thanks for your reply. While following your directions, I realized that I failed to note which version of Outlook I am using (MS Office Pro 2010, Outlook Version 14.0.7128.5000 (32 bit) and therefore I did not locate the Data Management area. Is it located in another area?

File > Account Settings > Data Files Tab (in newly opened window) > Click on PST > Select "Settings" button > Click on "compact Now"

[Gutz]

Also, search for and install TeraCopy Free version. It is like an rsync command in Linux for WIndows and copies large files flawlessly. It can even continue going from where it left off if the source is moved. Pretty nifty.

[Pally]

File > Account Settings > Data Files Tab (in newly opened window) > Click on PST > Select "Settings" button > Click on "compact Now"

Thanks for your reply. What happens when I click on compact? Is it a function that will permanently affect the pst file? Or, does it create a "new" (just compacted) data file? I'm nervous because it is a work data file and I don't want to ruin any files.

[Creampuff]

Sorry stupid question, is the size limit due to Fat32. Would it be possible to get a 16 gb thumbdrive and format to NTFS?

Internet speculation on part..so someone please correct me if I am wrong.

[Pally]

Also, search for and install TeraCopy Free version. It is like an rsync command in Linux for WIndows and copies large files flawlessly. It can even continue going from where it left off if the source is moved. Pretty nifty.

Thanks for the info on TeraCopy! Sounds like it's the right tool for me. And, easy to download at CNET.com

[Gutz]

Thanks for your reply. What happens when I click on compact? Is it a function that will permanently affect the pst file? Or, does it create a "new" (just compacted) data file? I'm nervous because it is a work data file and I don't want to ruin any files.

I've never done it.

Copy that PST file into your desktop and Compact the original. If it fails, you got a copy of that one.

I think that the drive you are trying to copy to isn't formatted correctly. Anyway to reformat it in NTFS?

[OldLincoln]

Just a thought, if the other is a hassle couldn't you copy it to a usb drive then to your laptop. My thinking is you may be trying to drag or copy paste which is too big for the system.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

[Pally]

Sorry stupid question, is the size limit due to Fat32. Would it be possible to get a 16 gb thumbdrive and format to NTFS?

Internet speculation on part..so someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Yes, Fat32. Yes, that is the suggested route from what I read on my Google search yesterday. I just didn't want to have to re-format my external/thumb/flash drives to NTFS.

[Pally]

Just a thought, if the other is a hassle couldn't you copy it to a usb drive then to your laptop. My thinking is you may be trying to drag or copy paste which is too big for the system.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

Already tried copying, dragging, cutting, etc...each and every time MS OS told me FILE TOO LARGE.

[Pally]

I've never done it.

Copy that PST file into your desktop and Compact the original. If it fails, you got a copy of that one.

I think that the drive you are trying to copy to isn't formatted correctly. Anyway to reformat it in NTFS?

I will try your suggestions. If it fails, I will get a new external drive and format it to NTFS. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

[spyde12]

I've had to do this a few times in the past when a new laptop was issued to me. I just use my network (home or work). I share the folder/s that contains the stuff that I want. Then on the new laptop/workstation, I would browse the network share and copy and paste the contents in the appropriate folder. If you have a GB network, this process will be fast. I had to transfer about 300 GBs of data (mostly ISOs) and it took a few minutes to complete. This saves me time from having to copy from the source (old machine), to the external drive and then back to the new machine. Another option is to use a straight through (CAT-5 cable), but you may not have that on hand. I hope this helps you out.

[Pally]

I've had to do this a few times in the past when a new laptop was issued to me. I just use my network (home or work). I share the folder/s that contains the stuff that I want. Then on the new laptop/workstation, I would browse the network share and copy and paste the contents in the appropriate folder. If you have a GB network, this process will be fast. I had to transfer about 300 GBs of data (mostly ISOs) and it took a few minutes to complete. This saves me time from having to copy from the source (old machine), to the external drive and then back to the new machine. Another option is to use a straight through (CAT-5 cable), but you may not have that on hand. I hope this helps you out.

I actually tried that, well, partially. My two machines were in different locations, so I had to first rely on remote transfer (didn't work-waaayyy too slow-thanks U-verse!!) After that I did the MS Backup of the pst file from the desktop to an external drive, however I couldn't get it to restore to my laptop. So then I repeatedly tried the network share option and it wouldn't recognize the folder. Is this function proprietary to the computer where the data originates from?? I guess I will have to drive the 100+ miles and go get the other machine and utilize the CAT-5 cable, that sounds pretty easy! Thanks very much for your help!!