• Outlook User
  • New Outlook app
  • Outlook.com
  • Outlook Mac
  • Outlook & iCloud
  • Developer
  • Microsoft 365 Admin
    • Common Problems
    • Microsoft 365
    • Outlook BCM
    • Utilities & Addins

Housekeeping and Message Management: Outlook

Slipstick Systems

› Tools & Utilities › Housekeeping and Message Management: Outlook

Last reviewed on February 15, 2021     2 Comments

Applies to: Outlook 2007, Outlook 2010

The keys to keeping the size of your folders manageable are to

  • Periodically empty the Deleted Items folder
  • Archive or delete from Sent Items
  • Remove attachments from sent messages, assuming that the attached files are stored elsewhere on your system
  • Use one of the third-party tools listed here to compress attachments that you want to keep in your folders
  • If you are using Personal Folders, periodically compact them to recover space left behind by deleted items.

This page lists tools that can help users and administrators manage Outlook items by archiving items, removing attachments, repairing .pst and .ost files, renaming special folders, calculating folder size, backing up Outlook data.

Do you need to save messages in your My Documents (or other folder)? See How to Save Email Messages to the Windows File System

Utilities for working with attachments, including attachment removers, reminders and attachment compression tools are at Attachment Management Tools

The More Information section includes links to additional types of tools that may be useful for housekeeping.

Administrator and Exchange server housekeeping utilities are now at Housekeeping & Message Management: Exchange Server.

 

Tools in the Spotlight

eFiler

File emails via eFiler Outlook toolbar into LAN and Cloud file systems (Google Drive, DropBox, OneDrive and WebDAV for Sharepoint, ODB, Box, DriveHQ etc.) in msg format with definable filenames to keep within Mailbox size limits and archive emails securely. File into predicted folders, drag and drop or by eRules to automate repetitive filing. Mobile filing for iPhone, Android, OWA by IMAP. Fast indexing search to find and use saved emails as if still in Outlook. Autosave for offsite backup. For all Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016. Free 14 day trial.

Email to PDF for Outlook

Add support to Microsoft Outlook to save emails as PDF files. Automatically convert attachments of all kinds (120+ formats) to PDF documents. Combine emails and attachments to produce a one long PDF file along with table of contents and bookmarks that lets you jump from one email or attachment to another quickly. Use email metadata to name the PDF files saved from Outlook. Automate to save incoming emails and attachments as PDF files for business record keeping, legal discovery or simply for long term retention. Works with Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and Office 365.

FileChimp

File emails from Outlook into project or client folders automatically. Match email addresses, project numbers, client names or references to a folder name located anywhere on your network. Watch as the bulk of your emails are automatically filed (ZERO clicks!) and finish the task with manual filing for emails that do not fall within the scope of a project or client folder. Organize filed emails into relevant sub-folders within your mailbox and auto purge dated email over time. Supports Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013 & 2016

HTML Email Archiver

HTML Email Archiver works with all types of Microsoft Outlook folders and archives Outlook items to HTML format or platform-dependent CHM format. This allows you to publish Microsoft Outlook folders on the Internet, or move data from Microsoft Outlook onto other software and hardware platforms, including mobile devices. These archives reproduce the structure of Microsoft Outlook folders, can contain messages or other elements in any language and with any types of attachments, support sorting by several criteria; search with advanced options.

Tools

ArchivER

Archive Outlook data as individual files, preserving the Outlook folder structure.

Attach2Cloud

Attach2Cloud Automatically uploads and shares your Outlook attached files on OneDrive and replaces them by OneDrive shortcuts in your emails at the time you click on Send. Thanks to Attach2Cloud, you can now attach files up to 15 GB unit size to your Outlook emails without any email size limit. These files will be automatically uploaded to OneDrive and shared with the recipients of your emails. Attach2Cloud also enables you to set OneDrive permissions, target folder and elapsing dates to the attached files to upload.

Attachment Save

Sperry Software's Attachment Save Add-In for Outlook saves emails and/or attachments to your Windows folders, either all at once (in a batch) or as they arrive. It also now has support for Outlook 2010, both 32-bit and 64-bit. In addition, Sperry Software now has fully functional 14-day trial versions on its entire product line.

Auto-Mate

Auto-Mate is an Outlook utility that allows you use define rules to move mail from your Inbox (or other folders) based on several criteria, including the age of the message. While Outlook rules only run as messages are downloaded or when you click Run Rules now, Auto-Mate rules run on a schedule, enabling you to apply rules to messages that have been in your Inbox for a given number of hours, days or weeks. Available in Standard or Pro Version. Outlook O365, Outlook 2019 as well as Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, 32 and 64 bit editions. Version 12.

Boomerang

Boomerang is an add-in for Microsoft Outlook that allows you to take a message out of your Inbox for a few hours or a few days, until you're ready to deal with it. Ask it to return a message tomorrow afternoon, and at noon tomorrow, it will bring that message back into your Inbox. For Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013.

CodeTwo Move & Delete Watchdog

CodeTwo Move & Delete Watchdog warns about unintentional moving or deleting folders in Microsoft Outlook. Whenever you move a folder in Outlook's navigation pane or are about to delete something from the Outlook folder tree, a popup dialog appears asking for your confirmation. You can configure it to notify you when you move a folder, delete it, or in both of these cases. Free.

Data Publisher for Outlook & SharePoint

Data Publisher add-in provides a means to bring your Outlook contents such as mails, appointments, tasks or contacts to SharePoint lists, where these can be shared with other users. This process can be performed manually, or automatically and is achieved without using any scripts or programming, with complete seamless experience to the users. In other words, Data Publisher extends your Microsoft Outlook to effectively act as a content provider for your enterprise SharePoint repository. It can be adapted to feed data to SharePoint lists for various purposes, such as for issue tracking, timesheets, projects or contact managements.

Database Exporter for Outlook

Database Exporter for Outlook enables you to export the contents of an Outlook folder to an external database. It is designed to overcome the inability of the Outlook's built-in 'Import and Export Wizard' to handle data in custom forms, including custom fields. Specify which fields to include in the export. Supports export of mail, appointments, tasks or contacts. Works on any Outlook form, field types and support any Outlook folder and Exchange Public Folders.

eeminders for Outlook

eeminders gives you an uncluttered inbox that shows you what you need to work on, in the order that you want to work on them. Defer/snooze emails out of your inbox and have them magically appear back when you actually need them. Get email reminders to follow-up on important emails right in your inbox. Get reminders for non-email actions in your Inbox. Prioritize or schedule your emails in the order that you need to work on them and more... Supports Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016 (32bit and 64bit). Free 30 day trial available

EZDetach for Outlook

Save attachments as system files either as part of a Rules Wizard rule or manually, from either a folder view or the Advanced Find window. Can create subfolders to organize attachments by sender or date, pass an attachment to a script or other program, add a link in messages to point to the detached file, filter on attachment names, and automatically zip or unzip attachments. Version 5.5.1.327.

HideOutlookFolders

Utility hide unused folders in Outlook data files, include RSS, Calendar and Contacts in other .pst files.

Kernel Attachment Management

Kernel Attachment Management is an add-in utility that processes and saves attachments of incoming and existing emails as per specified criteria and also leaves a link to the saved location for easy accessibility. Fully functional free trial of the software is also available for the period of 30 days.

MailToFile

MailToFile for MS Outlook is the integrated solution for filing emails outside your Outlook application. You can store your emails directly into a customer or project folder, with only a few mouse clicks. An archived message doesn't change: it remains a regular email! You can easily open, reply and forward all messages. With MailToFile you always have all your digital correspondence filed together.

MessageSave for Outlook

MessageSave is an Outlook add-in for archiving and saving email messages. This powerful and intuitive plugin supports msg, txt, eml and mbox formats. It enables manual, rule-based and schedule-based operation. Use MessageSave to save e-mail messages for archiving, data retention, regulatory compliance, document management, backup, email sharing and exporting Outlook email to other mail clients, such as Mac Mail.app. Version 4.0.4.303.

OfficeIns

OfficeIns is a small utility that displays the details of all installed Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and so on...) add-ins on your computer, and allows you to disable / enable them.

OLAP Statistics for Outlook

OLAP Statistics tool for Outlook helps you gain insight into your folder items and make new discoveries. It analyzes Outlook data in multi-dimensional view in grids, charts and graphs and supports pivoting, drill down/slice and dice and filtering. You can run analysis tool on individual Outlook or public folders. Specify any field as the measure using functions such as sum, count, distinct count, maximum, minimum etc, and use this against other fields to generate statistics. Save and share reports as PDF, JPEG, HTML or PNG formats.

Outlook Cleaner

Filters, moves, deletes, and performs other cleanup operations through one interface showing all your folders. Filters Outlook Items across multiple folders by aging, subject, email, domain name and attachment match i.e. you can now identify all emails with a particular type of attachment and then delete or move them all. In addition, multiple profiles can be setup to be run interactively or via batch mode. Outlook 2000 SR-1 or later.

Outlook Picture Extractor

Extract just pictures or all attachments from items in any Outlook and save them to a system folder of your choice. Can optionally move processed items to a different Outlook folder.

Outlook2Mac

Exports Outlook mail, calendar, and contacts to mbox, iCal, and vCard files for import into Entourage and other Macintosh mail and collaboration programs. Can also be used to extract all file attachments to a system folder.

Pandali Folder Master for Outlook

The Pandali Folder Master for Outlook allows users to move, copy, and delete multiple Outlook folders in batches. No more right-clicking on folders one by one.

Save As PDF

Sperry Software is releasing their Save As PDF add-in for Outlook 2013 out of beta testing. This add-in converts emails to PDF files (including attachments). The add-in can convert emails, Word docs, Excel files, and many more formats with no PDF printer driver needed. This tool is for Outlook 2007 or Outlook 2010 and is now being released for Outlook 2013 (both 32-bit and 64-bit). In addition, several new features have been added like the ability to include the mailbox owner name and the ability to always include the attachments in raw format (instead of transcribing them into the PDF).

SharePointUpload

Sharepoint Upload is a command line freeware tool (with .NET source) that can extract e-mails from PST, Public Folders, and Exchange Mailboxes and place on a file system in MSG format (using Redemption). The extracted files are compatible to SharePoint naming conventions.

SimplyFile for Microsoft Outlook

SimplyFile helps you file incoming and outgoing messages to the right Outlook folder with one click of a mouse. SimplyFile's state of the art algorithm learns as you file messages and suggests destination folders for filing. All you have to do to send a message to the right folder is click a button. SimplyFile also includes buttons for turning messages into Tasks and Appointments. Compatible with Outlook 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2007. Version 2.3.4.106.

Stellar PST File Splitter

PST File Splitter reduces the size of a large PST file by splitting it into small parts and helps in avoiding the PST corruption situations. Stellar Phoenix PST File Splitter splits large PST file on the basis of email Id, date and folder size and keep the original PST file intact. It allows to create batch files for automating splitting process and also provides the log report of every operation. PST file splitter is available with both single user and corporate versions and efficiently works with Outlook 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000.

Topalt Reports

Topalt Reports allows you to create various Outlook usage reports: Count received emails during certain time frame, Extract email addresses that you have received emails from. Many reports available (sender name, sender email address, sender domain, recipient/to, cc, subject, category, importance, sensitivity).

VBOffice Reporter

VBOffice Reporter is an easy to use tool for data analysis and reporting in Outlook. A single click allows you to see the number of hours planned for meetings the next month, expenses for a specific project in the last month, and many things more. Features include the ability to create reports for all tasks, calendar, and journal items. Create a report with a single click and then sent via e-mail or open it in Excel. Trial available. Supports Outlook 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016.

Weight Diet for Outlook

Weight Diet for Outlook helps users shrink their mailbox and organize emails by finding & eliminating obsolete emails, such as duplicate, autoresponder or failure messages. Users can specify which folders to scan and how to filter messages so only certain emails will be found. Weight Diet can move email attachments out of the user's mailbox file while keeping a shortcut to the original attachments in the email message. Use Weight Diet to upload outgoing email attachments to file sharing servers and replace the attached file with a link.

More Information

  • Compression Tools -- By compressing attachments, these can reduce the storage space used by Outlook items.
  • Search Tools -- These tools provide faster, indexed searching.
  • Configuration and Maintenance Issues
  • To repair a damaged Outlook PST file
  • Overview of Archive and of AutoArchive in Outlook 2003
  • OL98: How to Remove or Replace Folder Size Button in Folder Properties
  • OL2002 How to Remove or Replace Folder Size Button in Folder Properties
  • OL2000 An Overview of Archive and AutoArchive
  • Change Outlook Folder AutoArchive settings -- CDO script for changing AutoArchive settings on individual folders
  • Attachment Archiving to a File Server Script -- Script to run on Exchange 2000 Server to archive mailbox item attachments as system files and replace them in the original items with a text link to the archived file
  • Outlook Mailbox Maintenance Plan
  • Attachment Management Tools - Utilities for working with attachments, including attachment removers, reminders and automatic attachment compression tools.
  • Using Microsoft Outlook's AutoArchive feature
  • Configuring Outlook's AutoArchive settings tutorial
Housekeeping and Message Management: Outlook was last modified: February 15th, 2021 by Diane Poremsky

Related Posts:

  • Housekeeping & Message Management: Exchange Server
  • Attachment Management Tools for Outlook
  • Compression Tools for Outlook
  • Compression Tools for Exchange server

About Diane Poremsky

A Microsoft Outlook Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 1999, Diane is the author of several books, including Outlook 2013 Absolute Beginners Book. She also created video training CDs and online training classes for Microsoft Outlook. You can find her helping people online in Outlook Forums as well as in the Microsoft Answers and TechNet forums.

Subscribe
Notify of
2 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Fred jansohn (@guest_190250)
April 9, 2015 7:09 am
#190250

Hi Diane

I just went back to windows from mac (work related) and was searching the web for Outlook archive software. I stumbled onto this post and am so glad I did. This is excellent information and I really appreciate your work and finding this all in one place. I use Diigo and have archived this where I can continue to refer to it in the future. Thanks again so much,

FJJ

0
-1
Reply
Pablo (@guest_172030)
October 13, 2012 1:50 pm
#172030

I am looking for a script that will open the messages I send and bounce back because of bad email address on them, find the bad address and load them into an Excel or other file, so I can clean up my mailing list. Any ideas? I appreciate any help you can provide.

0
-1
Reply

Visit Slipstick Forums.
What's New at Slipstick.com

Latest EMO: Vol. 30 Issue 15

Subscribe to Exchange Messaging Outlook






Support Services

Do you need help setting up Outlook, moving your email to a new computer, migrating or configuring Office 365, or just need some one-on-one assistance?

Our Sponsors

CompanionLink
ReliefJet
  • Popular
  • Latest
  • Week Month All
  • Use Classic Outlook, not New Outlook
  • How to Remove the Primary Account from Outlook
  • Disable "Always ask before opening" Dialog
  • Adjusting Outlook's Zoom Setting in Email
  • This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions
  • Remove a password from an Outlook *.pst File
  • Reset the New Outlook Profile
  • Maximum number of Exchange accounts in an Outlook profile
  • Save Attachments to the Hard Drive
  • How to Hide or Delete Outlook's Default Folders
  • Google Workspace and Outlook with POP Mail
  • Import EML Files into New Outlook
  • Opening PST files in New Outlook
  • New Outlook: Show To, CC, BCC in Replies
  • Insert Word Document into Email using VBA
  • Delete Empty Folders using PowerShell
  • Warn Before Deleting a Contact
  • Classic Outlook is NOT Going Away in 2026
  • Use PowerShell to Delete Attachments
  • Remove RE:, FWD:, and Other Prefixes from Subject Line
Ajax spinner

Recent Bugs List

Microsoft keeps a running list of issues affecting recently released updates at Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in classic Outlook (Windows).

For new Outlook for Windows: Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in new Outlook for Windows .

Outlook for Mac Recent issues: Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in Outlook for Mac

Outlook.com Recent issues: Fixes or workarounds for recent issues on Outlook.com

Office Update History

Update history for supported Office versions is at Update history for Office

Outlook Suggestions and Feedback

Outlook Feedback covers Outlook as an email client, including Outlook Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows clients, as well as the browser extension (PWA) and Outlook on the web.

Outlook (new) Feedback. Use this for feedback and suggestions for Outlook (new).

Use Outlook.com Feedback for suggestions or feedback about Outlook.com accounts.

Other Microsoft 365 applications and services




New Outlook Articles

Google Workspace and Outlook with POP Mail

Import EML Files into New Outlook

Opening PST files in New Outlook

New Outlook: Show To, CC, BCC in Replies

Insert Word Document into Email using VBA

Delete Empty Folders using PowerShell

Warn Before Deleting a Contact

Classic Outlook is NOT Going Away in 2026

Use PowerShell to Delete Attachments

Remove RE:, FWD:, and Other Prefixes from Subject Line

Newest Code Samples

Insert Word Document into Email using VBA

Warn Before Deleting a Contact

Use PowerShell to Delete Attachments

Remove RE:, FWD:, and Other Prefixes from Subject Line

Change the Mailing Address Using PowerShell

Categorize @Mentioned Messages

Send an Email When You Open Outlook

Delete Old Calendar Events using VBA

Use PowerShell or VBA to get Outlook folder creation date

Rename Outlook Attachments

Repair PST

Convert an OST to PST

Repair damaged PST file

Repair large PST File

Remove password from PST

Merge Two Data Files

Sync & Share Outlook Data

  • Share Calendar & Contacts
  • Synchronize two computers
  • Sync Calendar and Contacts Using Outlook.com
  • Sync Outlook & Android Devices
  • Sync Google Calendar with Outlook
  • Access Folders in Other Users Mailboxes

Diane Poremsky [Outlook MVP]

Make a donation

Mail Tools

Sending and Retrieval Tools

Mass Mail Tools

Compose Tools

Duplicate Remover Tools

Mail Tools for Outlook

Online Services

Calendar Tools

Schedule Management

Calendar Printing Tools

Calendar Reminder Tools

Calendar Dates & Data

Time and Billing Tools

Meeting Productivity Tools

Duplicate Remover Tools

Productivity

Productivity Tools

Automatic Message Processing Tools

Special Function Automatic Processing Tools

Housekeeping and Message Management

Task Tools

Project and Business Management Tools

Choosing the Folder to Save a Sent Message In

Run Rules on messages after reading

Help & Suggestions

Submit Outlook Feature Requests

Slipstick Support Services

Buy Microsoft 365 Office Software and Services

Visit Slipstick Forums.

What's New at Slipstick.com

Home | Outlook User | Exchange Administrator | Office 365 | Outlook.com | Outlook Developer
Outlook for Mac | Common Problems | Utilities & Addins | Tutorials
Outlook & iCloud Issues | Outlook Apps
EMO Archives | About Slipstick | Slipstick Forums
Submit New or Updated Outlook and Exchange Server Utilities

Send comments using our Feedback page
Copyright © 2025 Slipstick Systems. All rights reserved.
Slipstick Systems is not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.

wpDiscuz

Sign up for Exchange Messaging Outlook

Our weekly Outlook & Exchange newsletter (bi-weekly during the summer)






Please note: If you subscribed to Exchange Messaging Outlook before August 2019, please re-subscribe.

Never see this message again.

You are going to send email to

Move Comment