PST File: Unicode or ANSI

[MR-KEN]

Outlook 2003; Exchange 5.5 SP4 on a Windows 2000 Server SP4

Reading through the KB's, I was able to learn how to determine whether an
OST file is formatted in Unicode or Non-Unicode, but I found no information
on determining what format a PST file is in.

If a user has a PST file and upgrades to OL2K3 from OL2K, does the PST file
automatically convert from ANSI to Unicode? Or would you have to create a
new Unicode PST file and move all items from the old to the new?

 

[MR-KEN]

Follow on:

I think I found that you have to create a new PST file in Unicode, then move
your items from your old PST to the new. PST file in our organization are
used as an archive means and not a delevery means from our Exchange 5.5
server (which I assume would not allow a Unicode format). I don't beleive
there would be any harm in using a Unicode formated PST file for achiving
purposes, correct?

 

[neo [mvp outlook]]

Right click on Personal Folders and select Properties | Advanced. If you
see "Personal Folders File (97-2002)", it is a legacy (ANSI) pst.

No and yes for your two questions.
--
Neo [MVP Outlook]
Due to the Swen virus, all e-mails sent to this account will be deleted
w/out reading.

PS - Please keep in mind that a unicode pst file will be limited by what
type of drive type it is put on. If the user tries to copy a > 4 GB PST
file to FAT32, it won't work. FAT32 file size limitation would kick in.

 

[William Teng]

Dear Mr. Ken,

Thanks you for posting here!

Neo has provided correct answer to your question about how to determine
what format a PST file is in, please try his suggestion first. And if you
need any further assistance on this particular issue, please feel free to
post back.

Exchange 5.5 server does not allow a Unicode format. There will no harm in
using a Unicode formated PST file for achiving purposes. But please pay
attention, to determaine whethere to use Unicode mode or no-Unicode mode,
Outlook evaluates a set of requirements and options. On requirement for
Unicode mode is that users must have Exchange 2000 or later accounts.
Outlook also checks the formats of users Offline Store(OST) files and the
default archive files. Finally, Outlook checks the format of users' PST
files that are used as a delivery location(if any). Please also take into
these into consideration.

Thanks for choosing Microsoft and have a nice day!