How to Combine Multiple PST Files into One Single File?
Summary: Do you have a system that has several PST data files? Would you like to merge them into a single file? If this is the case, this blog post will demonstrate how to combine multiple PST files into one. We’ll begin by introducing PST files and then go into the details of the approaches. Therefore, continue reading to obtain a comprehensive and practical solution.
Outlook comes as a part of the Microsoft Office suite. It is a well-known email client that both professionals in industries and home users are familiar with. If you configure an account in Outlook using POP3, it will store all the email messages in PST format. This Personal Storage Table file contains the emails, attachments, contacts, notes, calendars, appointments, tasks, and journals.
Users can also export data from all configured accounts in Outlook into a PST file whether POP or IMAP. It enables users to back up data in the event of data damage, transfer e-mail between e-mail accounts, and more. So, you can say that most Outlook users deal with PST files one way or another.
Reasons to Merge Multiple PST Files into One
Before we discuss the ways of combining PSTs, it is necessary to understand why it is necessary to do so. While each user has unique reasons to combine multiple PST files into one, there are a few common reasons.
Here we are highlighting the instances in which merging PSTs is the best solution.
- Merge old Outlook accounts data into one
- Create a single backup for multiple email accounts’ data
- If you’re looking to join your social, personal, and professional accounts, combining is the ideal option.
- Also, if you’re considering switching to another provider, such as Exchange, combining might be advantageous.
- If you’re going to send/receive files from a team member, a family member, or any other group of individuals, combining them is the simplest approach to managing all of the data in a single PST.
These are the most typical reasons why a user might want to merge several PST files into a single file. Of course, there may be additional motivations for a user to do so. But, that’s not our main concern.
So, let us now focus on the methods to merge and combine files.
How to Combine Multiple PST Files into One for Free?
In order to combine large-sized PST files into one for free, you need to follow the steps mentioned below.
Phase 1 – Make a Fresh PST file that is completely blank
To create a new blank PST file, perform the following steps:
- Launch the Outlook application and click on the New Items option in the ribbon bar.
- Then, go to More Items in the drop-down menu and select the Outlook Data File option.
- Choose a place for the new blank PST and give it a name and click the OK button.
Also Read: How to Break up Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts?
Phase 2 – Combine all your PST files into the fresh PST file
In this phase, you will import all the PST files that you wish to merge one by one into this fresh PST. This way, you can easily combine PST files into the newly generated file.
Perform the following steps to merge multiple PST files:
- Go to File >> Open & Export in the Outlook window and click on the Import/Export option.
- This launches the Import and Export Wizard. To import data from the PST file, choose Import from another program or file.
- Then, click the Next button.
- In the next window, select the file type as Outlook Data File (.pst). Then, click on the Next button.
- To locate the file to be imported, click Browse and navigate to it.
Please Note: In Outlook, you may now choose to replace duplicate emails with new ones. The option you select here is applied on the Outlook data file you are importing.
- Select the option that says “Do not import duplicates” from the drop-down menu. Then, click on the Next button.
- Now, select the fresh PST file in the “Import items into the same folder in” option.
- Finally, click the Finish button.
Drawbacks of the Manual Method
- In order to complete this challenge, you must repeat phase 2 for all the PST files.
- It is necessary to have the Microsoft Outlook program installed.
- Having technical expertise is required in order to do this work successfully.
- When you repeat this activity, it becomes time-consuming and complicated.
Utilize Professional Tool to Combine Multiple PST Files into One PST
The manual technique to merge PST files is technical, involves multiple stages, and demands the user’s undivided attention; otherwise, the likelihood of data loss and file corruption increases, disrupting productivity and costing valuable time and money.
Thus, for the sake of saving both time and money, as well as reducing the possibility of mishaps, opting for a professional approach is the better option.
NXT Software is the best, time-saving, and most reliable application in this field. This software will allow you to combine multiple PST files into one at the same time. You can merge unlimited PST files without any limitations. Also, it doesn’t require the installation of any external application.
This solution is useful to merge PST files of Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 & 2003. You don’t even need to have MS Outlook installed on the system. As long as you have the PST files, the solution is guaranteed. Also, the software has a very simple user interface. One can easily perform this task in some easy steps.
Let’s Conclude the Article
When a user decides to combine multiple PST files into one file, there might be a variety of reasons for doing so. We’ve covered such reasons along with both manual and professional approaches to solve this issue. Now, one may securely merge several PST files into a single file without encountering any difficulties. Also, it is highly suggested to go with the professional application in order to get accurate results.
