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Convert ANSI PST to Unicode Format or Unicode PST to ANSI Format
In the earlier versions of MS Outlook, PST file of ANSI format is used to save the messages and other mailbox items. The main disadvantage of this file format is its size limitation, which is 2 GB. It cannot store more than 2 GB of data. If this file crosses this size limit, then it becomes prone to corruption. An oversized Outlook data file can easily be corrupted. Other than this if you try to open an oversized Outlook data file in MS Outlook, then it takes a lot of time to open the file or sometimes it may hang while opening it. These are some common problems which may occur with large sized PST files. To overcome this size limitation problem, MS Outlook 2003 and its later versions are very appropriate for users.
In MS Outlook 2003 and its later versions, Unicode format has replaced the ANSI format. It has a maximum size limit of 20 GB and in MS Outlook 2010 it is 50 GB, which is highly enough to store messages and other mailbox items. But the problem does not end here. You cannot open any ANSI PST file in MS Outlook 2003 and its later versions because they only support Unicode format. If you try to open an ANSI PST file in these versions of Outlook without converting it to Unicode format, then the file may become unusable or damaged. In such situation you may lose your data forever. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to open an ANSI PST file in MS Outlook 2003 and its later versions without converting their file format to Unicode. The same situation takes place when you try to open a Unicode PST file in MS Outlook 2002 and its earlier versions. These versions of MS Outlook only support ANSI format therefore, if you try to open a Unicode file in these versions it becomes prone to corruption. Without converting an ANSI PST file into Unicode format and a Unicode PST file into ANSI format, never try to open them in any inappropriate Outlook version.
To upgrade an ANSI PST file into Unicode format, you need to execute a conversion process. In MS Outlook application, there is not any upgrade or conversion option that can automatically convert the files from ANSI to Unicode and Unicode to ANSI. Even by upgrading your MS Outlook version the file format of PST file does not get changed. You have to convert the format of Outlook data file by using a conversion process, which can be executed manually. Other than this you can also use third-party PST upgrade software.
The following steps are mainly required to upgrade an ANSI PST file into Unicode format:
- First of all create a new Outlook data file. In Outlook 2003 and 2007, click on File > New > Outlook data file. In Outlook 2010, click on Home tab > New Items > point to More Items > click on Outlook data file.
- Now go to File > Import and Export if you are using MS Outlook 2003 and 2007. If you are using MS Outlook 2010, then go to File > Open > Import in Outlook.
- A wizard “Import and Export Wizard” will be displayed. Select Import from another program or file option and click on Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click on Next.
- Click on Browse and locate the file that you want to upgrade. Select any option from the list, e.g. Replace duplicates with items imported. Click on Next. (If the selected file is password protected, then you will be asked to enter the password).
- Now select the folder that you want to import from the selected file to the new file. You may check the “Import subfolders” box.
- Check the box “Import items into the current folder” and click on Finish.
The above process may take a lot of time if the Outlook data file is large. And before using this conversion process, you must create a backup file of your Outlook data file that you are going to upgrade. There is one more solution for this situation, which is simple, easy and very effective than the above manual solution. You can use third-party PST Upgrade and Downgrade software that helps you upgrade your ANSI PST files into Unicode format as well it helps you downgrade your Unicode PST files into ANSI format. A wide range of PST upgrade software is available in the market. Read about them and check their demo version first before buying any of them. Demo version is a freeware provided by the software company to let users examine the performance of the software. If you are satisfied with the results of demo version, then you can go for its full version because to save the generated output you need full software.
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Source by Naitik Semwaal
