How to Fix Outlook data file has reached maximum size?

Summary:- Outlook Data file, commonly known as PST file( Personal Storage Table), is the most popular file format to save Outlook mailbox data. It allows you to backup Outlook mailbox emails, contact, calendar, tasks, journals, notes and other items, including the attachment files from the MS Outlook application. However, at the same time, PST files also have a certain limit, according to different Outlook versions. In Outlook versions 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021, you will get a storage of 50 GB, and in the below versions of Outlook, like 2010, and 2007, you will get 20 GB of storage. Thus, you need to ensure the amount of data you are storing in the Outlook data file(.pst) during an exporting process.
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If you can’t check it out while using Outlook or exporting the mailbox, you will find an error pop-up on your screen: “Outlook data file has reached the maximum size” or “Outlook.pst file has reached the maximum file size limit.” Through this blog, we will be going to describe to you the top-most and trusted manual methods to fix or resolve Outlook data file has reached maximum size errors. Alternatively, you can also use the Aryson Outlook PST Recovery Tool, which helps you to fix all types of Outlook data file errors.

Methods to Fix or Troubleshoot Outlook Data file has reached maximum Size

There are various methods to resolve or fix Outlook data file has reached maximum size errors. You can compact the PST file, increase the default PST size limit, remove the non-essential mail items, or back up old mailbox data; it all will help you troubleshoot if the Outlook data file has reached the maximum size error successfully.

Method 1: Compact PST file to Fix When Your Outlook data file is full

MS Outlook contains the built-in feature to compact the Outlook data file, which either directly or indirectly helps you free up the storage space of PST files. In addition, once you compress the PST file, you can also fix the Outlook data file that has reached the maximum size error.

  • Start MS Outlook and click on File>>Account Settings >> Account Settings.
  • After that, click the “Data Files” option and select the PST file associated with your email profile from the list.
  • Now, double-click or tap on Settings.
  • Go to Advanced.
  • Here, click on the “Outlook Data File Settings…” option.
  • Finally, click on the Compact Now button.

It will remove all the free space from the Outlook PST file and may overcome the size of the PST file.

Method 2: Archive your Mailbox Data

Archiving your Mailbox Data is another best process to fix the Outlook data file has reached maximum size error. In this process, you can archive the old items you want to keep in a specific PST file and restore them whenever needed.

Note:- You also need to ensure that your MS Outlook is not connected to the Exchange Server.

How to Archive Data in Outlook 2013 / 2016 / 2019

  1. Start MS Outlook.
  2. Click on the File Tab and go to Info.
  3. In Outlook 2013:- Click on the Cleanup Tools section, and select Archive.
  4. In Outlook 2016/2019:- Click on File >> Info >> Tools >> and select the Clean up old items option.
  5. Choose Archive this folder option.
  6. Under Archive items older than, select a date.
  7. Select the folders that you need to archive by clicking on Browse.
  8. Check the box that includes items with “Do not AutoArchive” checked to Archive individual items excluded from automatic archiving.
  9. At last, click on the OK button.

How to Archive Data in MS Outlook 2010

  1. Run Outlook.
  2. Click on the File Tab and select the Cleanup Tools >> Archive.
  3. Select the option “Archive this folder and all subfolders,” then select the folder you want to archive.
  4. Here, open the Archive items older section and specify a date.
  5. Click Browse to allocate the saving location for the archived file.
  6. Check the Include items with the “Do not AutoArchive” option.
  7. Finally, click on the OK button.

Method 3: Fix the Outlook data file has reached maximum size Issue Using the Import/Export Feature

The Import/Export Feature also helps you to reduce the PST file size so that you won’t get the Outlook data file has reached maximum size again and again. Follow the steps correctly:

Step 1: Create a New PST and Migrate data

  1. Start the MS Outlook application, and click File.
  2. Go to Account Settings >> Account Settings
  3. Here, click on Data Files >> Add.
  4. Assign the PST file name and click Ok to create a new one.
  5. Now, the new PST file will be visible under Data Files.
  6. Move some of the required data to the newly created PST file.

Step 2: Export a PST file locally

  1. Go to the File and select the Open & Export feature.
  2. Opt for the Import/Export option and click on it.
  3. Select the Export to file option from the list and click Ok.
  4. Choose the Outlook data file and tap Next.
  5. Here, you must select the folder you want to export and check the Include subfolders option.
  6. Click on browse to select a location to save the exported file and click the Finish button.

Shortcomings of the Manual Methods

  • These methods do not apply to corrupted or damaged Outlook Data files.
  • The process is a trick for users who are from non-technical backgrounds.
  • Steps are time-consuming and lengthy.
  • There is the possibility of Outlook mailbox data loss during the manual process.
  • It does not apply to very large Outlook data files(.pst).

Method 4: Fix The Error “Outlook Data File Has Reached The Maximum Size” Using the Professional Tool

If none of the manual methods can fix or resolve the Outlook data file has reached the maximum size issue, then you can try the Aryson PST Repair Tool, which allows users to fix all the different types of errors in the Outlook PST file. The software is efficient enough to resolve the Outlook data file reaching the maximum size error in a few simple steps.

Follow the given below simple steps to fix the Outlook data file has reached maximum size:

  1. Download, Install and Run PST Recovery Tool on your PC.
  2. Click the Add file option to browse the Outlook data file(.pst).
  3. Choose the recovery mode as per the corruption or damage level.
  4. Click Ok to start the scanning process of the error contained PST file.
  5. Now, the software shows you the restored data from the PST file.
  6. Select the folders you need to back up or export and click Save.
  7. Go for the saving format as PST, EML, MSG, MBOX or others.
  8. Click Ok to complete the restoration process of the recovered data.

Conclusion

In this blog, we understand the effective ways to fix or resolve Outlook data file that has reached maximum size error. You can use any of the given methods to fix or resolve the error, and if none works for you, then you can also go for the third-party solution for fixing all the different types of Outlook errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does it mean when Outlook shows a message: Outlook data file has reached maximum size?

Ans – It means your Outlook data file is full of data, and you need to remove some unnecessary mail items to work smoothly and efficiently.

Q. How Can I fix the Outlook data file has reached maximum size error without MS Outlook?

Ans – If you do not want to use the MS Outlook application to fix the Outlook data file that has reached maximum size error, then you can try the alternate solution, i.e., PST Repair Tool, which helps you completely fix this issue.
Here are the steps you need to perform:
1. Download & Run Outlook PST Recovery Tool.
2. Add the PST file and click Ok to start scanning.
3. Select the folders that you want to restore.
4. Click the Save button to save the issue-removed data.
5. Go for the saving format as PST or others and click Ok.
6. Now, your resultant PST file is error-free and saved.

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About The Author:

I am a technical content writer at Aryson Technologies with an experience of 2 year specializing in writing about databases, data recovery, file management, e-mail recovery & migration solutions. Also, I am proficient in working in a challenging environment using all my skills and want to serve the reputed growth of the industry in the development field.

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