Best Ways to Merge Multiple PST Files into a Single File

Key Reasons to Merge Multiple PST Files into One

Here, we go over a few fundamental justifications for combining several PST files at once. Also, describe how it can be beneficial for you.

• Users want to merge email data into a single location for easier management.
• Apart from that, it reduces duplicative storage by merging overlapping PST files.
• Also, this process makes it easy to back up one PST file rather than multiple.
• You can frequently simplify search processes and have all data in one file.
• Fewer PST files in your system can decrease the chances of corruption.
• Improve Outlook’s performance when you reduce the number of files.
• Access all emails and contacts from one file without switching between multiple PSTs.

After going over the above-listed points, you can now move forward to learn the methods to merge multiple PST files into one.

How to Combine Multiple PST Files into One

From the above section, we know that combining multiple PST files into one can simplify your email management. After that, you will find it easy to access, search for, and organize your Outlook data. First, you can accomplish this process by using Microsoft Outlook. Other than that, you can also go for the automated solution to merge PST files. For the details of these processes, go through the upcoming sections.

Method 01: Manual Approach to Merge Multiple PST Files

When it comes to combining PST files, you can use Outlook to perform the task. This method is suitable for users who have a small number of PST files to merge. Microsoft Outlook provides a native method to join PST files, although it involves different steps. First, you have to create a new file. Thereafter, merge them into the newly created file. Both steps are mentioned below:

Step 01: Create a New PST File Using MS Outlook

In the first step, we create a new PST file. Here, we use the Home tab of the Outlook application to create a new PST file. For this, you should accomplish these steps:

1. First of all, open the MS Outlook application on your screen.
2. After that, navigate to the Home tab and pick the option of New Items.
3. Next, from the drop-down menu that appears, select “More Items”.
4. Now, click on “Outlook Data File” from the submenu.
5. A dialog box will appear to specify the location and name of your new PST file.
6. Here, enter the name and preferred location of the new file accordingly.
7. After entering them all, click on the OK button.

Your new PST file will now be created and added to your list of data files in Outlook. Now, all you need to do is merge the existing PST files into the newly created PST file.

Step 02: Import Existing PST Files into the New PST File

After creating the new file, we will import the existing files into the newly created file. The steps are as follows:

1. In Outlook, go to File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.
2. Next, select Import from another program or file, and click Next.
3. In the upcoming panel, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) >> Next.
4. After that, tap on Browse to locate the PST files you want to import.
5. Choose the desired options for duplicates and click Next.
6. Select the folder(s) to import from. Ensure you check the Include subfolders box if needed.
7. Here, select the option to import into the previously created new PST file.
8. At the end of the process, click Finish to complete the import process.

You can use Outlook to merge several PST files into a single PST file by following these steps. However, there are a lot of drawbacks to employing the manual approach. Let’s talk about it in the section below.

Disadvantages of the Manual Method to Merge PST Files

The manual approach to accomplishing the task is free, but it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Here are some common barriers associated with the manual approach while merging PST files:

• The manual process of combining PST files is a lengthy process.
• Along with that, it requires technical knowledge and careful execution.
• There is a high chance of losing data during the merge.
• Outlook has size limits for PST files, so it is complicating large merges.
• Moreover, different Outlook versions may cause compatibility problems.
• Manual methods can lead to inconsistent outcomes and missed data.
• Apart from that, you have to merge files one by one separately.

The next section describes a professional tool that is specifically made for merging PST files, which you can use if you have a lot of PST files and find the manual method too laborious.

Method 02: Quick and Simple Solution to Merge Multiple PST Files

The PST Merger Tool is the best and most superficial way to combine PST files. You can add a bunch of PST files at once in a hassle-free manner. This tool supports merging large PST files without size restrictions. Also, it provides a preview of items before merging, which allows users to verify the content that will be merged. Along with that, it supports all versions of the Microsoft Outlook and Windows operating systems. The user interface of this utility is too simple to simplify the task, which makes it accessible for both beginner and advanced users. You can merge password-protected PST files without requiring the password to be removed. Moreover, it removes the duplicate data before starting the process. Apart from that, you can set the preferred name and location of the resultant file. With the help of this software, you can merge your PST data without any kind of data loss. Let’s see the steps:

Steps to Combine Multiple PST Files into One

1. Firstly, install and run the PST Merge Tool on your system.
2. Now, click on the Add File/Add Folder button to add the required PST file.
3. After that, you can preview the details of the selected file or folder.
4. In the next panel, you get the two options Join and Merge PST file.
5. Here, pick the Merge option to combine the PST file into the existing one or the new one.
6. Further, you apply passwords accordingly and pick the other built-in features of the software.
7. At the end, hit the Merge button to combine 2 PST files or more.

Once the merging process is finished, the merged PST file will be saved to the location you specified. Once saved, all of the combined data can now be accessed in Outlook by opening the merged PST file.

Conclusion

When you merge multiple PST files into a single file, you can greatly simplify email management and enhance productivity. For this, you can opt for Microsoft Outlook’s built-in tools or third-party software. But you should be selective when choosing the procedure. As we know, the manual method needs technical expertise and does not apply to large numbers of data. On the other hand, the automated approach is simple and the best approach to do the same. Thus, you should evaluate your needs and consider the number of PST files you have. After that, choose the method that best suits your preferences and technical comfort level.

About The Author:

Eva Shirley

Eva Shirley is a skilled technical content writer with expertise in creating engaging and informative content. With over 5 years of experience and a passion for writing, she has solved many users' queries by providing quality content.

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