Sometimes a 2 GB file size is insufficient to contain Outlook mailbox data. So, if you’re still using an earlier version of Outlook that supports the ANSI format, you should switch to a newer version. The Unicode format used by recent Outlook versions provides enough capacity, allowing you to easily store a huge quantity of mailbox contents. In this post, we’ll look at how to convert an Outlook PST file from ANSI to Unicode format. There are two options for doing so: a simple DIY method or a professional PST Upgrade tool.
Outlook data files (PST) are created by Microsoft Outlook to store email messages, attachments, calendars, notes, tasks, diaries, and so on. The Outlook client saves PST files in two separate formats: ANSI and Unicode. Older Outlook versions (2002 and prior) utilize ANSI format, but Outlook 2003 and beyond use Unicode format.
Why upgrade MS Outlook?
The previous ANSI format used for personal folder files in Outlook 97-2002 has a maximum of up to 65,000 items per mailbox folder. Furthermore, the ANSI format PST file size limit is just 2 GB. This implies that an ANSI PST file can only hold up to 2 GB of mailbox data. If you’re an Outlook user who receives hundreds of email messages every other day, combined with large attachments, 2 GB of storage may not be enough. Another disadvantage of the ANSI format. It does not support data in several languages. Microsoft began giving more storage space for PST files with the introduction of Outlook 2003.
The Unicode format is used by Microsoft Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, and the most recent 2016 versions. This format appears to be superior to the old ANSI format. There is no such restriction when keeping items in a mailbox folder. It also intelligently supports multilingual data. Most notably, the Unicode format PST file size limit is larger than the ANSI format. A Unicode PST file may store up to 20 GB of mailbox data. The recommended limit in Outlook 2010, 2013, and 2016 is 50 GB.
Corruption in the Future
Most crucially, because of its size constraint, the Outlook data file is particularly prone to corruption. When a PST file hits its maximum size, Outlook performance suffers and additional problems arise. However, the condition worsens when the PST file exceeds its maximum size limit. In such a case, you are likely to encounter corruption, which may result in data loss. Because an ANSI PST file can only save up to 2 GB of mailbox data, it may quickly fill up. On the other hand, filling the 20 GB to 50 GB of storage given by the Unicode format may take a long time. As a result, it is usually preferable to convert Outlook PST file from ANSI to Unicode format. If you’re using an earlier version of Outlook, such as 2002, 2000, 98, or 97, you should upgrade to the latest version.
How to Convert an ANSI PST to a Unicode File
Unfortunately, Microsoft does not supply any tools for converting Outlook PST files from ANSI to Unicode. Even if you update Outlook 2002 to a later version, the old ANSI PST files will stay unchanged. You may, however, transfer mailbox data from an ANSI PST to a Unicode PST file.
You may, however, transfer Outlook mailbox data from an ANSI to a Unicode PST file. There are two ways to accomplish this:
- You may use a simple do-it-yourself approach to convert an ANSI PST file to a Unicode PST file.
- Alternatively, you may utilize a professional service to convert your Outlook PST file from ANSI to Unicode format.
In general, for Outlook users, a professional PST Upgrade program is a superior solution. Users should, however, attempt the manual technique first before purchasing any such commercial software. The manual techniques I’m discussing here don’t require any third-party software or other expenses. You only need to utilize the Outlook client.
Data Import from ANSI to Unicode PST File
To begin, obtain Microsoft Office 2003 or a later version. Install the Office suite first, followed by the Outlook installation. Keep the old ANSI PST file(s) on your PC. You must establish a new profile to update Outlook to a newer version. Outlook 2007 and later will build a Unicode PST file and establish it as the default delivery destination.
Microsoft Outlook includes an Import option that you may utilize here. You may use this functionality to replicate nearly everything from the old ANSI PST file into new Unicode PST file. But, before you do so, remember to make a backup of your original PST file (s). Then follow these easy steps:
- Start Microsoft Outlook on your computer. On the taskbar, select the File tab > Open > Import.
- Select Import from another program or file in the Import & Export Wizard choices.
- Click Next to proceed with the process.
- To proceed, pick the Outlook Data File (.pst) in the Import a File dialogue box and click Next.
- Now navigate to the folder where the old ANSI PST files are kept. Click Open after selecting the PST file (one at a time).
- Select the mailbox folder(s) to import from in the Import Outlook Data File dialogue box.
- Finally, hit the Finish button to commence the operation. It may take some time to complete successfully.
Similarly, you must import each ANSI PST file into the Outlook client one by one.
Professional Outlook Upgrade Solution
The above DIY method may involve a significant amount of physical labor, time, and understanding of Outlook. So, if you want an easy and effective solution to updating an Outlook PST file, you should utilize Software PST ANSI To Unicode PST Upgrade Software. Even though there are other providers in the web marketplace, this program is regarded as one of the best options for converting Outlook PST files from ANSI to Unicode.
The Outlook PST Upgrade and Downgrade program can convert ANSI PST files to Unicode format as well as Unicode PST files to ANSI format. Take a look at the following features included in this PST Upgrade & Downgrade tool:
- No technical knowledge is required.
- Securing the conversion of ANSI to UNICODE PST.
- Conversion of certain files.
- PST files can be exported one at a time.
- To test crucial functions, a free sample is offered.
- Solution for preventing ANSI file corruption.
- All major versions of Outlook are supported.
- It is simple to use in all Windows versions.
- A devoted and hardworking customer service team.
- A clear view of the desired path.
- All files are given a full preview.
- Delete wrongly loaded files option
- The output destination is user-specified.
Software PST Upgrade & Downgrade program is available for a free evaluation. You should download the demo version before purchasing the product. You can save the first 10 email items from each mailbox folder of the chosen PST file into a new Unicode PST file by utilizing the demo version. And only you should buy the program if you are happy with the outcomes.
Simply follow these simple steps to update your PST file.
- Start the Upgrade PST Pro program.
- Select Add File or Add Folder and go to the PST file you want to add (s).
- Scan and show live preview of pst files.
- Choose the Output destination option and specify a location to save the generated PST file.
- To begin the process of upgrading PST, click Start Converting.
Conclusion
Microsoft Outlook 2003 and later do not support the ANSI format. If you want to update Outlook from an earlier version to a newer one, you must convert Outlook PST file from ANSI to Unicode. This article described how to update an Outlook PST file using a simple manual approach. If the manual method appears to be difficult, you should utilize a professional solution, such as Software’s PST Upgrade & Downgrade application.
