Minimize disk space used by Microsoft Outlook

Compact the Outlook data file (or PST)

In Outlook, select the
File
tab, then
Info
.
Select
Account Settings
, then
Account Settings
again.
Select the
Data Files
tab, then the data file you want to compact, and
Settings
.
Select the
Advanced
tab, then
Outlook Data File Settings
.
Select
Compact Now
.
When the process finishes, select
OK
.

Empty the Deleted Items folder

In Outlook, select the
File
tab, then
Options
.
Select
Advanced
.
In the Outlook start and exit section, mark
Empty Deleted Items folders when exiting Outlook
.
Select
OK
.

In Outlook, select
Mail
in the folder list.
Right-click the
Deleted Items
folder and select
Empty Folder
.

Move inactive Outlook items to an archival data folder

In Outlook, select the
File
tab, then
Info
.
Select
Account Settings
, then
Account Settings
again.
Select the
Data Files
tab, then
Add
.
In the Create or Open Outlook Data File window, enter
W:\MSOFFICE_ARCHIVE
as the path for the PST file.
Enter a name in the
File name
field.
tip
Choose a name that indicates the PST file includes archived items; for example, include
archive
in the file name. If multiple people will create archive PST files in this location, customize the file name to refer to the creator; for example,
Jsmith_archive.pst
.
Select
OK
to create the PST file.
In the Create Microsoft Personal Folders window, you can specify a unique name for the PST file and set a password. It’s helpful to give the PST file a recognizable name (such as Jsmith_archive) because the name will appear in various lists within Outlook. Select
OK
when you’ve finished making changes
Select
Close
in the Account Settings window.