Generally, there is no easy or direct method to merge archive files with another PST file. However, there are some workarounds that can be used to combine two PST files. But, before going to that process, let's have a look at why people need to merge archive files with another PST files.
Need to Merge Two PST Files
People often create multiple PST files in Outlook to continuously save their data even after knowing that it can be complicated to handle and manage multiple PST files. But, merging multiple PST files into one can offer some great benefits, such as:
- Avoid loss or accidental deletion of data files
- Save time by avoiding opening of each file repeatedly
- Avoid sharing of files one by one
These points clarify that merging multiple PST files makes it easy-to-manage, easy-to-open, and easy-to-share.
There are two manual methods to merge archive files to another PST file. Below we have mentioned both the methods in detail. Let’s have a closer look at the working process of these two methods.
As you want to merge two different PST files, I would recommend you create a master PST file. After creating a new PST file, you can easily copy the content of archive files into this file. After creating a new PST file, follow the below steps to copy archive content into it.
Note: This method provides you the opportunity to adjust the folder structure or combine folders with a similar topic but with different name.
- The first thing you need to do is connect one of the PST files to Outlook. To achieve this,
- Go to the File tab in the Outlook and select Open.
- Now, click Open Outlook Data file, and select the file that you want to open.
- Now, copy the content from this file and paste it to new Master PST file. You can also use the drag and drop option to copy content from one PST to another.
- Once the data is copied to Master PST file, remove the original PST file from your Outlook. You can remove the PST file by:
- Go to the File tab and select Account Settings.
- Now, click Data Files in the opened window. Select the desired Outlook file and click Remove.
This method is a bit complicated for non-technical individuals as it includes a lot of creating and removing pst files. So, you can try merging two PST files with a simpler method.
The Import/Export method is a simpler option for those who directly want to merge an archive file to an existing Outlook PST file. Follow the below steps to perform this method:
- Open Outlook. Go to the File tab and select Open & Export.
- In the Open & Export wizard, select Import/Export option. A new wizard will appear on the screen. Select Import from another program and click Next.
- In the next step, select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
- Now, browse the file that you want to open in the Outlook. Select Do not import duplicates and click Next.
- In the next step, check the checkbox Include subfolders. Select Import items into the same folder and click Finish.
Your archive file has been merged with the existing PST file in Outlook.
But we have a simple way to merge PST files without the need of any technical knowledge. You can easily merge multiple Outlook PST files using the Kernel Merge PST utility. The tool allows to select the desired folders from the PST file before merging them. It provides multiple filters and options to help selecting required data from PST files for merging. Visit the software website to know more and download free version of the tool.
Conclusion:
Creating archive files time-to-time is essential. But when it comes to merging these files with another PST files, the process can be complicated and hectic. So, make sure you use a method that is simple, effective and doesn’t affect your data in the Outlook files. Try manual ways and if not successful, go for an efficient third-party tool for merging PST files.
