If I merge multiple PST files, will all my duplicate contacts get consolidated?

[Frances]

Manual method

The manual approach for merging PST files involves two basic steps first, create a new, blank PST file, and then import your previous PST files one by one.

Generate a fresh PST file Navigate to Outlook and select File > New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File. Create a new file and save it.

Import old PST files Go to File > Open & Export, then Import/Export. Click Next in the Import and Export Wizard after selecting Import from another program or file. Choose "Outlook Data File (.pst) and then click Next.

Handle Duplicates The most important step. After selecting the PST file to import, you will be offered options on how to handle duplicates. To simplify your contacts and avoid duplicates & use the Do not import duplicates option. This instructs Outlook to skip any contacts (or other things) that it detects as already existing in the destination file.

Repeat the procedures above for each PST file you want to integrate. This can be time-consuming if you have a large number of files.

Mailvita PST Merge for Mac Tool

Mailvita Merge PST for Mac solution is a third-party solution that automates this operation while addressing the drawbacks of the manual technique.

Duplicate Consolidation: The software was designed with comprehensive tools to handle duplicate things, including contacts. During the merging process, you can select the "remove duplicates" option and the software will find and consolidate them based on To, From, Subject and Date.

Batch Merging Unlike the manual technique, which needs you to import each PST file separately, you can add numerous PST files or even a full folder of PSTs at once. This saves substantial time and effort.

Flexibility and capabilities The applications often have additional capabilities that improve the merging process, such as the ability to merge password-protected files, maintain folder structures and combine specific objects (such as contacts or calendars) from multiple PST.

To summarize, while the manual method can eliminate duplicates, it is a time-consuming operation. Dedicated applications such as the Merge PST for Mac Tool are designed to simplify and automate the merging process with built in features that efficiently merge duplicate contacts and other things.

Check out this demonstration of how a PST merging application works to combine multiple files into one, which is related to your question concerning file consolidation.

[lukeparker]

Yes, when you merge multiple PST files using Softaken Merge PST Tool, your contacts can be consolidated into a single PST, including the Contacts folder during the merge process. The tool combines entire mailbox folders emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, etc. During the merging process, users can save the original data. It works on all Windows OS and MS Outlook versions. The software supports UNICODE and ANSI PST files. Before buying the tool, users can explore the free demo version to test it.

Visit here: https://www.softaken.com/merge-pst-pro

[manojworld05]

If you're looking for an easy way to merge multiple PST files into a single Outlook data file, I recommend SysTools PST Merge Tool. It allows you to combine multiple PST files in bulk without losing emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, journals, or attachments. The software maintains the original folder hierarchy and metadata throughout the merging process while offering options to merge complete PST files, selected folders, or even join PSTs with duplicate removal. It supports both ANSI and Unicode PST files, works with password-protected PSTs, and is compatible with all major versions of Microsoft Outlook and Windows. For anyone managing multiple Outlook data files, SysTools provides a fast, secure, and reliable solution.