In this blog, we will reveal the best technique to merge multiple PST files into one step by step. There is no inbuilt feature in Outlook to accomplish this task, but there are some indirect free tricks that can be used to merge Outlook PST files in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 and all earlier versions. So, let’s start with the step by step process of how to join or combine PST files into one file.
Basically, the PST file is an Outlook data file which contains emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and journals. Outlook support to export data in a PST file and create a backup for future use. We can easily create and import PST file in Outlook. The following are free manual steps for combining multiple PST files into one. Find out in advance about the need to merge PST files.
Why Need to Combine Outlook PST Files Together?
There are many different reasons why it is necessary to consolidate multiple PST files in one PST file. Some of them are given below:
- Users upgrading from an older version of Outlook to newer, they have huge PST files that are difficult to handle. Merge Outlook PST files into one file is the best trick to manage PST files.
- If a user requires specific data from the PST file, several PST files must be opened or closed. This is a very tricky process.
- Multiple PST data files slow down the performance and speed of the Outlook application. It also causes data corruption problems.
- Several PST files can be lost or misplaced anywhere, while a single PST file is easy to maintain and retrieve.
- Because of Outlook imports only one PST file at a time, you can easily import it into Outlook by merging multiple Outlook PST files into a single PST file.
- Users want to access PST data files from multiple Outlook accounts in one place by merging them into a single file.
Manual Steps to Merge Outlook PST Files Into One
Here, we will show you the manual method to combine multiple PST files into one. First, we need to create a new PST file after that import old PST file data into a newly created PST file.
Step 1. Create PST File in Outlook
To create a PST file in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 follow the below-given steps:
- From the Inbox, select New Items >> More Items >> Outlook Data File.
- Enter a File Name.
- If you want to add a password, click on the Add Optional Password checkbox.
- Type a password in both the Password and Verify Password text boxes after that select OK.
Create a PST file in Outlook 2003 and 2007 by following mentioned instructions:
- Go to File menu >> New >> Outlook Data File.
- Click Office Outlook Personal Folders File (.pst) and then select OK.
- In the Create or Open Outlook Data File dialog box, in the File name box, give a name for the file.
- In the Create Microsoft Personal Folders window, enter a display name for the PST folder in the Name box.
- To add a password, under Password, enter the password in the Password and Verify Password text boxes.
Step 2. Import Old Outlook PST Data File Into New One
Now, we need to import all Outlook data files into a newly created blank PST file to merge Outlook PST files into one. Follow the step by step process below:
- From the top select File option.
- Select Open & Export >> Import/Export. Now, the Import and Export wizard will open.
- Select Import from another program or file option and click Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next button.
- Browse to the .pst file which you want to import in the new one. Under Options, choose your required option and click Next.
- If a password was assigned to the .pst file, enter the password and click OK.
- Select the folder to import from and also check Include subfolders and Import items into the same folder in checkboxes.
- Click the Finish button.
Note:- You must repeat the same steps for all the PST files to import them into a newly created PST file. This manual method is useful if you want to merge 2 PST files into one file. Otherwise, the task takes a long time to complete.
Instant Solution to Merge Multiple PST Files Into One
If you have huge PST file and don’t have enough time to import PST file one by one, must try SysTools PST Merge Tool. With this application, you can easily and quickly combine multiple PST files into one. It supports all Outlook version that helps you to merge PST files in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 and all other versions. You can merge multiple Outlook contacts folders into one and remove duplicates. All types of users technical or non-technical, easily access this software to merge Outlook PST files into one without any extra knowledge.
Advanced Features of Outlook PST Combiner Tool
The software offers many top features that enable users to effortlessly combine or join PST files. Here are some key features:-
- Consolidate multiple PST files in Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, and all below versions of Windows Operating System.
- Merge Outlook data files along with emails, contacts, notes, tasks, calendar, etc. including their all details.
- Allows merging multiple archive PST files, password-protected file, active and network Outlook files.
- The software provides an option to merge multiple Outlook contacts folders into one without duplicates.
- Three merging Outlook .pst files into single one options: Join, Merge and Merge Outlook Contacts.
Final Words
This blog described the free solution to merge Outlook PST files into one by creating a new PST and importing old Outlook PST data files into a new one. We also mentioned a software fix solution that helps you to merge multiple PST files into one. You can try both solutions and choose one that suits your needs.