PC Doctor January 20, 2017

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Dear PC Doctor:

My computer recently gave me this message in my e-mail: 

“C:\USERS\OWNER\APPDATA\LOCAL\MICROSOFT\OUTLOOK\OUTLOOK.PST

has reached maximum size.  To reduce the amount of data in this file, select some items you no longer need and permanently delete them by pressing shift+delete.  You could also consider using the new Outlook personal folders file (.pst) introduced with Outlook 2003 that provides greater capacity for storing items and folders.”

I don’t know what this means.  I can’t send any e-mail messages.  Help!

Signed,

    Leon

 

Dear Leon:

I had to look this one up!

It sounds like you might be working from an old version of Outlook.  Older versions had smaller storage capacity, hence the message that you’re out of growing room. 

There are a couple of things you can do.  One is to switch to a newer version of Outlook that has more storage capacity.  Depending on how many versions behind you are, this could be tricky, and might involve several steps.  It could be a good idea to enlist an expert to help you.

Alternatively, a simpler thing to try first would be to delete some messages.  First, empty your trash folder.  Then, locate your spam folder and delete the items from there.  Next, go through all your saved e-mails and permanently delete anything you do not truly need.  If this frees up space for you and the warning message goes away, fantastic!

Until next time,
Happy Computing

    PC Doctor

Posted: to Athol Library News on Fri, Jan 20, 2017
Updated: Fri, Jan 20, 2017