Export Contacts from Outlook OST File in 2024
This post will help you to understand the working procedure to extract contacts from OST files even without using Outlook.
User Queries:
“I want to extract contacts from the OST file as I need to create a backup of my contacts present in the OST file. So, there is any reliable way using which I can perform this task? I am searching for an easy solution that eliminates the OST file size restriction too.”
“Some of my contacts are present in OST file format and I want to access and convert them into PST file format. So, I want to know how to retrieve contacts from OST file without any data loss? Please suggest to me a simple and efficient way to do the same.”
About OST File Format
MS Outlook is widely used by large organizations where all the systems are interconnected to each other using MS Exchange Server. In Outlook, OST (Offline storage table) files are offline files, which store Outlook data including emails, contacts, etc. It enables the users to access all the data stored in the mailbox when the Exchange Server is not available. Every time when the user creates a contact in an Exchange Server account it is saved in an OST file.
Moreover, The OST file is an offline copy of the user’s mailboxes stored on the server. Therefore, to make the data accessible, the user needs to convert it into a portable file format. Now, the question crops up, how to retrieve OST contacts from Outlook versions? The user can access contacts by converting them into Outlook default file format. However, in this write–up, we are going to explain a simple and reliable approach using which the user can convert OST files to PST format and access their contacts.
Reasons to Extract Contacts from OST File
There can be different reasons to pull contacts from OST file. The need to take out the contacts from OST file depends on the requirements of the user.
- Sometimes, the user needs to create a backup of contacts and save it on the system.
- In some cases, the user wants to convert OST file contacts into some other file format.
These can be the possible reasons behind the extraction of OST contacts. Now that we are aware of the reasons, let’s move on and dive in and see how to restore OST file contacts using manual and automated approaches.
Use the Outlook Import/Export Option to Manually Extract OST File Contacts
The user can extract contacts from OST files of Outlook versions 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010 with the help of the Outlook Import/Export feature. The steps are given below:
- First, you have to open the Outlook program and then click on the File tab.
- Now, on the left side, you will see the Open & Export option. Click on it.
- Then, you have to click on the Import/Export option. The Import and Export Wizard will open.
- After that, you have to select the Export a file option and then click on the Next button.
- The Export dialog box will appear on your screen. Create a file type option, you have to select Comma Separated Values and then click on the Next button.
- Now, In Select the folder to export from an option, you have to select the Contacts folder and then click on the Next button.
- Save exported file as the option, you have to select the location to save the file by clicking on the Browse button.
- After that, you can select Replace duplicates with items exported, Allow duplicate items to be created, or Do not export duplicate items according to your requirements.
- Now, you have to click on the Finish button.
- You can create a password-protected PST file by entering the password in Create Outlook Data File.
Drawbacks of The Manual Approach
The user can pull contacts from OST file with Method 1. But this method is associated with some shortcomings that are listed below.
- Time-consuming and lengthy process.
- The user may have to face data loss issues.
- Requires technical expertise to perform the steps in an accurate way.
- The Outlook users must be connected to Exchange Server through their profiles.
- In case, when the OST file is corrupt, the extraction of contacts fails.
Extract OST File Contacts With Expert Recommended Solution
The users can recover and retrieve contacts from OST files using OST to vCard Converter in a trouble-free way. One can overcome all the limitations associated with manual approach by using this automated method. With this software, the user can easily backup and export OST file contacts in multiple file formats.
Moreover, no technical expertise is required to work with this utility. Every user can work with this utility as it is designed with a user-friendly interface. While retrieving contacts, the data integrity and security are maintained by the utility. There are many advanced features integrated into the application. Some of them are given below:
- Export contacts from OST file according to the specific date
- Repair corrupt OST files with minor or major corruption
- No File Size Limitation: extract only contacts from any size OST file
- Maintains the folder hierarchy while the extract process
- Compatible with MS Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and all the below versions
Steps to Extract Contacts From OST File
- Step-1: Download, Install and Run the Software on Your Machine. And click on “Add File” button.
- Step-2: Browse the Outlook OST file from your system.
- Step-3: Here, Select the Scan mode from Quick Scan and Advanced Scan.
- Step-4: Preview the Outlook OST file mailbox data items such as emails, contacts, calendars, etc.
- Step-5: Click on the Export button and select the vCard file format to extract contacts.
Note: Steps to import the OST file in Outlook will help you to analyze another user data file.
Final Words
Basically, it enables the users to access mail data when the mail server is not available. Sometimes the user needs to pull/extract contacts from OST file. But they are not able to find a way using which they can access their OST file contacts.
Therefore, in the above section, we have explained different methods using which the users can take out his/her contacts. However, it is always recommended to opt for a trustworthy and smart solution. This will help the user to avoid all data loss issues while recovering contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover contacts from Corrupted OST file?
Yes, For this you have to use OST Recovery software. It will help you to restore contacts from OST file.
Does this utility help me to restore contacts from Orphaned OST file?
Yes, by using this application the user can easily extract contacts from the Orphaned OST files.
Can I use this application to restore Outlook 2013 contacts?
Yes, This software is compatible with Outlook 2019 and its below versions.
Is there any file size limitation to recovering contacts from the OST file?
No, However, the user can recover all the contacts from the OST file.