Extract Contacts from Outlook OST File (Easy Guide 2024)

Some Outlook users often wonder how to retrieve contacts from Outlook OST Files. However, they want to save them In PST or any further requirements. Do you also want to extract contacts from OST File? So without additional preamble, we will discuss the various ways to perform so. In this article firstly, we will understand what is an OST file and why users need to export contacts from OST file.??

Let’s begin the blog with an understanding of the OST File.

OST File: What Does it Stand For?

An OST (Offline Storage Table) is a file used by Microsoft Outlook to store a synchronized copy of your mailbox data. Here are some key points that every user must know:

• Offline Access: OST files allow you to access your emails, contacts, calendar events, and tasks even when you're not connected to the internet. This can be crucial if you visit frequently, work remotely, or occasionally experience internet outages.
• Synchronized Copy: The OST file contains your mailbox data stored on the email server (Exchange or Microsoft 365). When you're online, Outlook keeps the OST file updated with any changes you make, and vice versa.
• Local Storage: Unlike PST files (Personal Storage Tables) which can be used for archiving emails, OST files are stored locally on your device. This means they don't take up space on the email server.

Why Extract Contacts from OST Files: The Importance Explained

There could be several reasons for a user to extract contacts from Outlook OST file. However, here we will walk through the common reasons to perform so:

• Data Backup: Extracting contacts creates a separate copy of your contact information. This can take a backup if your OST file gets corrupted or you lose access to your email server.
• Selective Sharing: Extracted contacts can be shared more easily than sharing your entire mailbox. You can share specific contacts or groups without giving someone access to your emails, calendar, or other data.
• Offline Access: Having a separate file of your contacts allows you to access them even when you're offline and don't have access to your OST file. This can be useful for visits or when an internet connection is unavailable.
• Migrating from OST: In some cases, organizations might migrate from using OST files to a different system for storing contacts. Extracting contacts beforehand helps ensure a smooth transition.

These are a few generic reasons to extract contacts from OST file. Now, in the next section of this blog, we will know the methods to perform So.

How to Export Contacts from OST File - 2 Methods Included

Although, there are two ways to retrieve your contacts from OST files. Now, we will learn the step-by-step process of both methods. First of all, we will learn proficient and timesaver way an automated solution. After that, we will learn manual methods to extract contacts from OST file.

#1: Export Contacts from OST to PST: An Automated Solution

The Cigati OST to PST Converter is the best solution for the extraction of contacts from the OST file. This automated solution gives you OST contacts in multiple file formats. Moreover, this solution provides a simple graphical user interface so that it does not require any sort of technical expertise to use this software. One of the most amazing features of this converter tool is getting a preview of any action before exporting.?

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Step-by-Step Guide to Extract Contacts from OST Files

• To begin with, download and run OST to PST Converter Software.?
• Now, to choose Single or Multiple OST files, press Browse.?
• Then, select the OST file and click on the Open key.
• Afterwards, from the tree structure click on Contacts and press Next.
• Now, from the drop-down menu choose VCF as your saving format.?
• After that, press the Path to Save key to select your desired file location.?
• At the end, tap the Convert key to extract contacts from OST File.

By following these simple steps, user can easily get their contacts from OST. Users can also remove duplicate contacts with the help of this tool. Moreover, this converter also provides a batch extraction of your contacts as well. Now we will learn the manual method to perform so.?

#2: Manual Export of Contacts from OST Files:

Users can also retrieve their contacts from the Outlook OST files using the technical method. In this technique, we will use an inbuilt feature of Microsoft Outlook to convert it into a CSV file Format. Users can learn the steps as mentioned below.

• First of all, run MS Outlook and click on the File option.
• Now in the File, tap on the Open & Export option.?
• Then, select the Import/Export option.?
• Now, in this option, choose the Export to a File Type option and press Next.?
• In this dialogue box, choose Comma Separated Valuve (CSV) and click Next.?
• Now, select the contact files and folders you want to retrieve and export to CSV and press Next.
• Choose the destination to save your CSV file and tap on Next.
• At the end, click on the Export Contacts from Folder and press Finish.

Final Quote:

This guide offers a solution to help you extract contacts from OST File. While OST files enable valuable features like offline access to your contact list, you cannot directly access or edit this data within the file itself. This is where contact extraction comes in. By extracting your contacts, you create a standalone file that you can utilize for various purposes. An additional benefit is that this process can also help recover contact information from corrupted OST files, ensuring you don't lose this important data.