Body
Quick Links: | What Are PST Files? | Moving PST Files to the Cloud |
What Are PST Files?
This process involves file management that, if done incorrectly, could result in the loss of email. If you are uncertain about any of these steps, please contact IT Support Services before proceeding.
PST (Personal Storage Table) files were previously used to store email that users wanted to keep but could not retain on the mail server due to storage limitations. Some users may also refer to PSTs as Personal Folders or Archive Folders.
Common drawbacks of PST files include:
- They have file size limits.
- They are stored locally and cannot be accessed remotely.
- They can become corrupted.
- They may be lost or damaged during computer maintenance or replacement.
Benefits of Cloud-Based Email Storage
Chico State’s email system provides 1 TB (one terabyte) of cloud storage. This allows users to store email archives securely in the cloud and access their full email history from any location.
Moving Personal Archive (.PST) Files to the Cloud
The following process can only be completed in Outook (classic) on a PC/Windows device. If you need assistance, please contact IT Support Services.
- Create a new folder under your Outlook account username. You may name it something like Archives or PersonalFolders.
- Scroll to your PST file in Outlook and right-click the PST name.
- Select Properties. Note the file path where the PST is stored, then close Outlook.
- Navigate to the PST file location and copy the file to a flash drive to create a backup.
- Reopen Outlook, right-click the PST name, and select Close Data File.
- Select the folder you created in Step 1.
- Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select Import from another program or file, choose Outlook Data File (.pst), then click Next.
- Click Browse to select the PST file, choose Do Not Import Duplicates, then click Next.
- Ensure Include Subfolders is checked, select Import Items Into the Current Folder, and click Next.
The import process may take some time, depending on the size of the PST file. Once complete, your archived email will appear in the folder you selected. Keep the backup copy until you confirm all mail has migrated successfully.
Still need help? Contact IT Support Services for further assistance.
Help us improve our Knowledge Base! Click Yes or No below, then let us know what worked — or what didn’t. Your feedback helps us improve our content and provide the best possible support.