How to Combine PST Files Without Duplicates – 8 Easy Steps

PST files store the entire Outlook mailbox data for multiple Outlook accounts. The more accounts you have, the more PST files will be created, and managing all of them is quite difficult. Therefore, to avoid trouble, a better solution is to combine PST files without duplicates. This is because merged PSTs contain the same amount of data as well as create more space for other files. Hence, find the best and most reliable free techniques along with a PST Merge Tool for ease in this guide.

Reasons to Combine PST Files Without Duplicates

The major factors that make it necessary to combine multiple PSTs after duplicate removal are:

• Quick access to information from multiple Outlook accounts at once.
• Organize scattered Outlook PST files altogether in a single place.
• To improve the performance and functionality of MS Outlook.
• Streamline the PST transfer and reduce chances of data loss risks.
• Remove duplicates to free the cluttered Outlook mailbox storage.

How to Merge PST Files Without Duplicates?

Whenever a user merges multiple PST files, the chances of duplicacy increase gradually. It is very natural to receive duplicate data files in a unified PST. However, to consolidate data easily and merge PSTs without any duplicates, there are two major solutions. This includes a manual method and the use of a professional tool. Find out their complete procedures, benefits, and limitations in this section below.

Manually Merge Outlook PST Files Without Duplicates 

The manual method can only be executed with the MS Outlook application itself. It has a built-in Import/Export feature that enables users to merge PST files. Follow these steps:

1. Firstly, start MS Outlook and move to the Home tab.
2. Click New Items from the top pane and choose More Items.
3. Further, select Outlook Data File and a Create window appears.
4. Here, provide a destination to create a new blank PST file. Click OK.
5. After that, go to File, and from the left panel, press Open & Export.
6. A list of options is displayed. Select the Import/Export feature.
7. Further, choose to perform an Import from another program or file. 
8. Tap Next and again select the Outlook Data File (.pst) to merge.
9. Click Next and tap the Browse button to add a PST file for merger.
10. Subsequently, pick the Do not import duplicates option and hit Next.
11. Provide a destination of your choice to save the merged PST files.
12.  Lastly, click Finish to merge PST files without duplicates.

Drawbacks of the Manual Method:

• Complex and lengthy process that needs good technical knowledge.
• No guarantee of merging PST accurately without loss or alterations.
• Chances of losing the original folder structure and data confidentiality.
• Time-consuming as it doesn’t support merging bulk PST files.

Therefore, it is beneficial to opt for an expert solution for merging files appropriately without limitations.

Which Tool Merge PST Files in Outlook Without Duplicates?

If you want to merge PST files in batches without duplicates within seconds, use the PST Merge Tool. This versatile software allows users to perform two different operations on Outlook PST: Join and Merge. Along with that, it maintains data integrity and preserves the original structure on all Windows versions. Moreover, this user-friendly software provides many other features that improves the security of PST data. One such option is to apply passwords on the merged Outlook PST files.

Steps to Combine PST Files Without Duplicates

1. Run the Outlook PST Merge Tool as an administrator.
2. Add the PST files/folders that you need to combine.
3. Further, click Next and select folders from the Preview Panel.
4. Afterward, choose Merge PST from the window and tap Next.
5. Select other additional features as required and hit Next.
6. Later, choose to Merge into a new PST or Existing PST.
7. Set the location accordingly and apply Remove Duplicate and other filters.
8. At last, click Merge to consolidate data into a unified new PST.

Conclusion

MS Outlook is a widely used application and thus requires mailbox space to be maintained efficiently. Also, it requires keeping the PST files organized without compromising with data. Therefore, this guide provided optimum approaches to merge PST files without duplicates. The manual method is troublesome and also contains much risk. So, experts ultimately suggest opting for a professional tool to save time, cost, and effort with complete security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I merge Outlook PST files without duplicates?

Ans: Follow the steps given below for PST merge:

1. Launch PST Merge Software and add PST files and folders.
2. Click Next and choose the folders from the tree structure.
3. After that, click Merge PST and tap Next to continue.
4. Select other features and press Next to give a saving location.
5. Lastly, choose the Remove Duplicate filter and hit the Merge button.

Q. Is it possible to combine multiple PST files for free without duplicates?

Ans- Yes, you can do so, with the manual method stated above using Outlook Import/Export. However, this method doesn’t allow transferring all the data present in the PST file and has other limitations too. So, use the PST Merge Tool and combine files effortlessly.

Also Read : Convert Gmail to Word Document.