Roger x@y wrote:

Starting another file is a good idea but I still would like to know
how to reduce the size of the current archive file. I know that I
can delete a large fraction on the messages but don't know how to get
the file to shrink if I do that.

It must be open in Outlook first so that it's listed in the Folder List.
The right-click its root, choose Properties, click Advanced, then click
Compact Now.
--
Brian Tillman