How to Extract Contacts from OST File? Verified Guide

Summary: Microsoft Outlook creates an Offline Storage Table (OST) file to keep emails, contacts, calendar items, and more. It allows users to access OST files without an internet connection. However, users extract contacts from OST files when they want to take a backup, move to a new account, or due to other issues. Well, the process can be tricky for users to perform this process. 

Now, we will provide different methods to extract your contacts from an OST file successfully. First, read and select either: manual or a reliable professional OST Converter Tool to complete the process efficiently. Before that, let’s discuss the advantages of extracting contacts from the Outlook OST file. 

Why Do Users Extract Contacts from Outlook OST Files? 

There are several reasons you might want to extract contacts from your OST file:

• Extract the contacts from the OST file if you want to transfer contacts from one Outlook profile to another or a different email service.
• As OST files are prone to corruption, it’s important to extract the contacts before any issues arise.
• If the OST file is about to be deleted or replaced, make sure you extract all your data beforehand to prevent losing any contacts.
• You need to access contacts, and Exchange Server is not working. Then, extracting contacts from the OST file becomes necessary. 

Now, let’s explore the solutions to the user’s question: “How do I export contacts from OST file?” 

Extract Contacts from OST File – How to?

Well, there are multiple techniques to export contacts from OST file. You can choose the method that best suits your situation and technical skills. Let’s go over them one by one.”

#1 Manually: Restore Outlook Contacts from OST File

You will learn about several ways to export contracts from OST files with zero cost.

Way 1. Convert Contracts From OST to PST

1. You have to start Outlook and click on – –  File. 
2. After File, hit Open & Export – tap Import/Export.
3. In the Import and Export Wizard, click Export to a File – Next.
4. From the options, press the Select Outlook Data File (.pst). Click Next.
5. Next, search and add the contacts to save them in PST. 
6. Lastly, assign a path for the resultant file and tap Finish.

Way 2. Save OST File Contacts into CSV Format

1. To extract OST file contacts, run Outlook and visit and tap File.
2. Later, hit Open & Export and choose Import/Export.
3. Afterwards, look for Export to a file and tap on it -> Next.
4. After that, pick Comma-Separated Values (CSV) from the given options. 
5. Now, select the Contacts from your OST file.
6. Thereafter, provide the location to save the exported file and hit Finish.

Thus, you can use these methods to complete the task. Before using them, you must know their disadvantages. 

Limitations

• Useful for converting limited contacts at once. 
• All the contacts, including duplicates, will be exported. 
• There is be risk of human errors as this process is done manually. 

#2. Automated: Extract Contacts From Outlook OST File

MacSonik OST to PST Converter is the best alternative to all limitations of the manual approach. Using this software, the process will be completed in minimal downtime, unlike manual methods. Apart from this, this wizard provides various significant features to ease the process. It includes eliminating identical contacts, saving contacts without attachments, and offers more advanced features. Besides, it allows users to preview all he details beforehand for effective results. Moreover, the tree hierarchy will be maintained throughout the process. 

Quick Steps to Restore Outlook Contacts From OST File

Follow the steps to easily extract OST file contacts without any risk. 

1. For this, you have to run the OST File Converter Software. 
2. Then, tap Select Files to search and add the contacts. Click Open – Next. 
3. Now, tick the required contacts to extract from OST files. Hit Next. 
4. Later, pick PST or CSV from the drop-down menu. 
5. Further, set the location for the exported file. 
6. In the end, tap Convert to start the process. 

Final Verdict

Now, it’s time to conclude this blog. With the help of this article, you might be able to extract Contacts from OST files. To do this task, we have discussed the manual and automated approaches. However, many experts recommend a professional tool for fast and effective results. Although you can use manual ways but it has lots of limitations that make it the least chosen solution. 

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