How does PST files increase

[andre]

If you have a pst file that you put 20 messages into
everyday, but delete messages from that folder that are
older than 1 month. will the pst file size grow more and
more, or will the new incoming mail items use the "free"
space that the mail that was deleted from the folder used?

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

It should use the available 'whitespace'. Make sure you keep an eye on the
file size (esp if using OL2002 and prior - 2GB limit, but problems usually
occur earlier) and compact the file periodically.

 

[Roady [MVP]]

It will not directly re-use this space. To clear the empty spaces directly
rightclick on the root of the folder (most likely Outlook Today)->
Properties-> button Advanced-> button Compact Now...

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[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

OK - my bad. I would've thought it was smart enough to make use of the
available whitespace....do you have a link I can bookmark on this one? I
don't use PST files unless absolutely necessary so I admit to plenty of
ignorance.

 

[Diane Poremsky [MVP]]

As long as the computer runs with some idle time, outlook will compact
automatically when whitespace hits a certain percentage - 20% or less.

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Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]
Author, Teach Yourself Outlook 2003 in 24 Hours
Coauthor, OneNote 2003 for Windows (Visual QuickStart Guide)
Author, Google and Other Search Engines (Visual QuickStart Guide)

 

[Steve]

You'll need to compress the pst file as well or the file
size won't shrink

Steve

 

[Brian Tillman]

It will not directly re-use this space.

Huh? White space gets reused.

 

[Roady [MVP]]

This KB article has some info on it;
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=289987

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[Roady [MVP]]

No it doesn't; it extends the pst-file. When your computer is idle
AutoCompact will run and frees up some space so it appears that it gets
reused.

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