PST file size

Today I noticed at one time the PST file was about 3 MB. Then later it was
close to 5Mb. Then again it was close to 8MB. Now it is back to 3Mb. I
made no changes to my contacts. What all is in that file that can make it
change in size? Thanks

I will add that all of my folders are empty and also at one time it jumped
to about 20mb.


"--Mardman--" wrote in message
...
Today I noticed at one time the PST file was about 3 MB. Then later it
was close to 5Mb. Then again it was close to 8MB. Now it is back to 3Mb.
I made no changes to my contacts. What all is in that file that can make
it change in size? Thanks

That is really small in terms of a pst-file ;-)
It is normal for a pst-file to expand and shrink again. It is a database and
it autogrows/shrinks based on its use. For instance when the pst-file runs
out white space (storage room) it will grow by some MBs at a time to
immediately create some white space for future items. This way the pst-file
grows more gradually than by allocating space each time an item is being
received or view is changed. When the white space is over 20% and the
computer is idle it will automatically compact again. Following this theory
the size of the pst-file will be much more stable over time (when it becomes
larger).

--
Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
http://www.howto-outlook.com/
Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more

-----
"--Mardman--" wrote in message
...
I will add that all of my folders are empty and also at one time it jumped
to about 20mb.


"--Mardman--" wrote in message
...
Today I noticed at one time the PST file was about 3 MB. Then later it
was close to 5Mb. Then again it was close to 8MB. Now it is back to
3Mb. I made no changes to my contacts. What all is in that file that can
make it change in size? Thanks