Outlook Data File has reached the maximum size - Resolve
Updated on November 20, 2022 by Nasir Khan
Presently, all users are aware that Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular and dependable email applications, with millions of customers. It is personal storage equipment that allows you to concentrate on the communications that are most important to you.
However, if the error notice appears unexpectedly, the message "Outlook data file has reached its maximum size" will appear on your display, and you will be seeking a suitable method to resolve this. Then remain tuned to this article. You may learn the reasons and working methods of many approaches to effectively resolving the issue here.
The root cause behind the "Outlook Data File Has Reached Its Maximum Size" error
Every error has a reason or cause. Just like that, the above-mentioned error also has a reason. Find some of them as follows:
- It may arise as a result of a file size issue with the PST file in Outlook.
- In addition, whenever the data file in Outlook has exceeded its highest size limit.
Actually, Microsoft Outlook used to save its data files with a PST file extension. But Microsoft has given a size limit for the PST file. The size limit has a variation that varies with versions. For instance, the PST file size of Outlook 2013, 2016, and 2019 is 50 GB.
Once a PST file reaches its maximum size, it will undoubtedly get corrupted. As a result, Outlook throws an error that we have mentioned above.
Effective solution to resolve the error "Outlook Data File has reached its maximum size"?
This portion describes the comprehensive and straightforward approach for troubleshooting Outlook data files that have exceeded the maximum size limit. A warning message appears on your computer screen when Outlook data files approach their maximum size. Don’t panic. Keep reading and follow the solutions as follows:
Delete all unwanted items.
Deleting unneeded emails and other material aids in shrinking the size of the PST files. It resolves the issue where the Outlook data file has exceeded the maximum size.
- You must first load the PST file. Select the items that will be unimportant to you in the upcoming days.
- Afterwards, you may delete all of the highlighted objects.
- Finally, permanently remove the deleted items folder.
However, data files that are no longer required by the user must be erased from an enormous PST file on a regular basis. This is the most basic approach for freeing up PST file space and preventing files from exceeding the maximum size restrictions. Similar data items in the PST file are also eliminated to free up excess memory. This avoids the problem that the PST file has reached its maximum size.
Increase the size of PST file manually with registry entities
Actually, there is a built-in option provided by Outlook to increase the PST file size. If you don't want to delete any files, then this solution could be the best and most appropriate for you. Read the steps as follows:
- 1. Firstly, execute the run command (press Windows + R).
- 2. In the opened window, type "Regedit" and press the OK icon.
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- 3. When the My Computer menu opens, double-click on the "HKEY CURRENT USER" option.
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- 4. Next, double-click on the "Software" folder and pick the "Policies" option.
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- 5. To continue, select Microsoft and then Office.
- 6. Now select the option that has been given in the image below according to the outlook version you are using.
- 7. Navigate to Outlook and double-click the PST file.
- 8. Right-click on "MaxLargeFileSize" and select it.
- 9. Then, under the Value Data Box, press the Modify icon to enter the numbers.
- 10. Then, press the "OK" icon.
Archive the Outlook data files (PST).
You may archive your Outlook files to keep them secure and save a lot of storage space. As a result, to prevent them from clogging up and exceeding their maximal size limit, you may preserve the old times in a dedicated Outlook data file to save them.
However, it should be known to you that if your account links to an Exchange Server, then the Archive and AutoArchive functions may not be present in Outlook. Read the steps as follows if you don’t know how to archive your Outlook data files.
- 1. Firstly, run Outlook and sign in using the necessary details.
- 2. Select the Info section from the File tab.
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- 3. Choose the Archive folder setting here.
- 4. Then, under Archive things older than that, enter a timeframe.
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- 5. Specify the directories to archive by clicking the Browse icon.
- 6. You may also confirm the included files with the "Do not auto-archive" selected feature.
- 7. To finish the process, click the "Ok" icon.
Oversized PST file should be compressed.
This approach is compatible with Outlook 2013 and later editions. You may regain space left by removing objects by using the "Compact Now" function. This function aids in the compression of large PST files. However, Outlook automatically compacts data files if it has more than 20% free space. You may also manually condense the PST file by following the following steps:
- 1. Firstly, navigate to the File tab in Outlook.
- 2. Select Account Settings from the drop-down menu.
- 3. Choose the Data Files tab and then pick the pst file you wish to compress.
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- 4. Then, select the Settings option.
- 5. Press OK after clicking the Compact Now option.
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Final Conclusion:
As all of the processes are manual, there is a huge chance of data loss or PST file corruption while you perform these processes. Besides, if your Outlook PST file gets corrupted due to an oversize error, you can use the Regain Outlook PST Recovery software to repair and recover the PST file.
It has extensive and user-friendly features that can recover or repair PST files within a few clicks without any chances of data loss.
