ISSUE: Outlook Data File LowLevelError: 0 (0x00000000) Context: 268829954

Overview

During the migration of a PST file, the below error may occur, indicating a problem with the Outlook data file. This error can prevent the successful migration of the PST file and will require intervention to resolve.

cloudficient.Common.Mail.MAPI.PST.Exceptions.PstException: Version: 0 Component: Outlook Data File LowLevelError: 0 (0x00000000) Context: 268829954 Message: Error in IMsgServiceAdmin::ConfigureMsgService: 0x8004060C Error: The Outlook data file \\?\C:\Users\folder\subfolder\filename.pst has reached the maximum size. To reduce the amount of data in this file, permanently delete some items that you no longer need.

Cause

The error occurs when the PST file has grown too large, reaching its maximum allowable size limit. PST files in older versions of Outlook, particularly the ANSI format used in Outlook 2002 and earlier, had a maximum size limit of 2 GB. Exceeding this limit can lead to corruption and other issues with the PST file. Even in newer versions of Outlook that support the larger Unicode format with a much higher size limit (20 GB in Outlook 2003 and later, 50 GB in Outlook 2010 and later), the file can still become too large to handle efficiently, especially during migration processes.

When a PST file reaches its size limit, it may no longer be able to accommodate additional data, leading to errors during migration. This limitation is a common cause of the error message mentioned in the overview, indicating that the PST file has reached its maximum size and advising the user to delete unnecessary items to reduce the file size.

Solution

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Run scanpst.exe: Try using the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) to repair the PST file. This tool is provided by Microsoft and can often fix issues with PST files, including those related to size limitations.
   • Close Outlook and any other applications that might be using the PST file.
   • Find the scanpst.exe tool on your computer. Its location will depend on your version of Outlook and Windows.
   • Open scanpst.exe and browse to the location of the PST file you want to repair.
   • Click "Start" to begin the repair process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair.
2. Export contents to a new PST file: If the issue persists after running scanpst.exe, you may need to export the contents of the PST file to a new, empty PST file. This process involves creating a new PST file and copying the contents of the old PST file into it.
   • Open Outlook and create a new PST file: File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files > Add.
   • Set the new PST file as the default delivery location: File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Email tab > Change Folder > New Outlook Data File.
   • Move the contents of the old PST file to the new PST file: Select the folders you want to move, then drag and drop them into the new PST file.
   • Close and restart Outlook to ensure the changes take effect.