Initially, Outlook users used to create archive PST files to counter slow performance as well as data corruption issues. However, now in this fast-paced era of technology advancement, the latest Outlook editions have come forth. With this, the usage of previous versions have come down, and so has the PST file size issue.

Because of the pace at which Outlook users are switching from older versions to the latest version, questions on how to combine multiple PST files into one single document have become commonplace.

Prior to discussing the solution to combine 2 PST files, let’s first look at why we need to combine multiple PST files into one.

Why Merge Outlook PST Files?

Generally, users create multiple PST Files to save content regardless of the fact that management, as well as handling, is complicated. Merging of multiple PST Files into a solitary consolidate file offers the following benefits:

• To avoid the loss or accidental deletion.

• To save time by avoiding the opening of each file repeatedly one by one.

• To avoid sharing files one by one which is a lengthy process.

Being comprehensively large in number, the handling, as well as management of the PST file, becomes a bit challenging. Therefore, a single file will be easy-to-manage, easy-to-open, easy-to-use, and easy-to-share.

How to Combine Multiple PST Files?

Approach 1. Manual Method.

Let’s first look at the manual method. Here user needs to follow two separate steps listed below:

Step 1: Create a new blank PST file.

Step 2: After that, import all PST files in this newly created File.

Steps to Make a New PST file:

1. Open MS Outlook Program.

2. Click New Items.

3. Select More Items.

4. Select Outlook Data File option.

5. Specify the location where you want to store the PST File.

6. Name the PST File.

7. Click Ok.

Steps to import all the PST Files:

1. Open MS Outlook.

2. Select Import/Export option by clicking on File tab > Open > Import.

3. Under an Import and Export Wizard, choose Import from another program or file option.

4. Click on Next.

5. Choose file type to import.

6. Click on Outlook Data File (.pst).

7. Click on Next.

8. Click Browse.

9. Select the file to import.

10. Check the Do not import Duplicates option.

11. Click on Next.

12. Now, click on Select the folder to import from.

13. Now, check the Include subfolders and Import items into the same folder in option.

14. Click on Finish.

Approach 2. Professional solution

If you do not wish to opt for the manual method because of its lengthy process, you can opt for professional third-party PST Merge Software.  It is a quicker, easiest, and more efficient way to merge multiple PST files. This Do-It-Yourself software allows you to easily combine PST files through a user-friendly interface. Also, You can use it to combine all data items such as Emails, Contacts, Notes, Calendars, Tasks, and Journals without altering the data of the original PST files.

Conclusion

We have mentioned two different approaches to combine multiple PST files with attachments. The user has the choice to select either method as per the requirement and merge multiple PST files in Outlook. Both methods work fine and are tested under suitable conditions and apparatus. But as per expert recommendation, using a professional tool is a better choice. Because there are a couple of steps in the manual method which require total user attention.