Determine the Difference Between Outlook UNICODE and ANSI PST File & Its Usage
In our last research, we have found out the latest trending question where users have a curiosity to know what PST file are they using. Either it will be UNICODE PST or it is ANSI PST file for their Microsoft Outlook. Here, in this article we will explain the exact solution to explore and determine the difference between UNICODE and ANSI PST file. So, let’s go through our solution without wasting any time to determine whether a .pst file is in ANSI/Unicode format.
Quick Overview to Microsoft Outlook
We all are familiar with Microsoft Outlook and very well known that Outlook is the most popular email application provided by Microsoft Corporation. It is widely used to store large mailbox data and used on various cross-platform operating systems. The email application Microsoft Outlook is perfectly suits to each type of users either it is for corporate user, small organization or for a home user. There are various versions of Microsoft Outlook has been available for users such as Outlook 97, Outlook 98, Outlook 2000, Outlook 2002, Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007, 2010 and many more. Now, Microsoft has launched its latest edition Microsoft Outlook 2019 and most of the users are still using Microsoft Outlook 2016 and Microsoft Outlook 2013.
In all the available editions of Microsoft Outlook, the entire data has been saved in Personal Storage Folders .pst file extension. Therefore, in certain cases users think of whether they are using UNICODE PST file or ANSI PST file. In order to find out the solution for this query we have discussed the solution in next section.
What is the Difference Between ANSI and UNICODE PST File of Outlook?
Here, we will discuss the solution to know the main difference between UNICODE and ANSI PST file. Read and analyse the distinction between ANSI and UNICODE PST files.
| ANSI PST File | UNICODE PST File |
|---|---|
| Default data file for earlier editions of Microsoft Outlook i.e. Outlook 97/98/2000/2002 editions. | A default data File for latest editions of Microsoft Outlook i.e. Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 editions. |
| ANSI PST file was having limitations to store data at the size limit of 2GB. If it was getting over, then there may be a chance of getting corrupted. | UNICODE PST File has a limit of 20 GB for latest Outlook editions such as Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019. |
| However, ANSI file can be easily imported/open in any Outlook version i.e. Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. | Whereas, created UNICODE PST file is supported to all latest editions and is not supported to Outlook 2002 and earlier editions of Outlook. |
| Does not support multiple character sets | Supports Multiple character sets |
| Not supported to Special Characters | UNICODE supports all special characters |
Determine Whether It is UNICODE PST or ANSI PST File
In most of the cases, it is difficult to differentiate both ANSI and UNICODE PST file of Outlook. Now, it is no more required to find out the distinction between UNICODE and ANSI PST file. Here, you get to know whether you are having PST file of UNICODE or ANSI file.
Step 1: – Open Data File Management TabTo see whether your PST file is in ANSI or UNICODE format you need to follow the simple steps as described below: –
- For Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019: File >> Account Settings >> Data File.
- For Outlook 2007 and 2003: Tools >> Account Settings >> Data File Management.
- For Outlook 2002 and Earlier Versions: – File >> Properties for “Personal Folders” >> Advance
Step 2: Now, double click on PST file which is required to check.
Step 3: Now, have a look on the “Format” field.
- If you got a “Personal Folders File” or “Outlook Data File”, then it indicates your PST file is in UNICODE
- If you got “Personal Folders File (97 – 2002)” or “Outlook Data File (97-2002)”, then your PST file is in ANSI format.
How to Open/View ANSI PST File without Outlook 2002 or Earlier Editions?
What happened when you are having ANSI PST file but don’t have Outlook 2002 or any earlier edition of Microsoft Outlook. If you try to attempt to open ANSI PST file in Outlook 2003 or any latest edition of Outlook, then it prompts an error message. This is of because Outlook 2003 and earlier version of Outlook supports UNICODE PST file. Therefore, you need to choose a relevant solution to view or open ANSI PST file in latest editions of Outlook. Some of the preferred solutions are given below: –
- Use PST Conversion Tool: – In order to access ANSI PST file again and open their data, it is preferred to use any of the tool. Users can choose PST to EML Converter, PST to MSG Converter, PST to PDF Converter, PST to EMLX Converter, PST to MBOX Converter and retrieve their ANSI PST data in their desired email application.
- View PST Data: – If you don’t want to perform any conversion, then you can also view your PST file without any cost. You just need to use ZOOK PST Viewer to view or open ANSI PST file.
Conclusion
Here, in this tutorial users will get to know about the main difference between ANSI and Unicode PST file of Outlook. Apart from it, users know the appropriate technique to determine ANSI PST and UNICODE PST file format. Also described how to open ANSI file without Outlook 2002 and earlier editions.