Introduction: This blog will cover the most searched and asked user question “How can I extract contacts from OST file?” If you are also trying to retrieve your contacts from an old OST file, then here you will get the perfect solution to your query. So let’s start step by step.
There is no doubt in this that Outlook is a widely used application that is available for both Windows and Mac OS. Outlook supports OST file (offline storage table) which stores emails, contacts, calendar, and other data. This allows users to access all data stored in their mailboxes when the Exchange server is unavailable.
Now let’s see the question from a user who has the same requirements and is looking for a solution to retrieve OST file contacts.
Why do Users Need to Export OST File Contacts?
According to the user’s needs, there can be many reasons to extract contacts from OST file. One reason may be that users want to backup their contacts to a computer or hard drive so that they can access them when needed. Another reason may be that users need to convert OST file to PST or another file format.
So these are the main reasons why users might retrieve OST file contacts. In the section below we are going to discuss the possible solutions to accomplish this task.
How Can I Extract Contacts from OST File?
There are two methods that help you to export contacts with or without installing the MS Outlook application.
- Using Outlook Import/Export Option
- Using Automated OST Converter Tool
So let’s move to the complete steps of both methods with screenshots and then decide which method is best for you to complete this operation.
Method 1: Retrieve OST File Contacts Using Outlook Import/Export Option
In this method, Outlook installation is required on your system. If you already installed it, then follow the listed steps.
- Open your Outlook application on your PC and go to the File menu.
- Then click on Open & Export >> Import/Export option.
- After that select the” Export to a file” option and hit on the Next button.
- Now, select Comma Separated Values and again click on Next button to continue.
- Select the Contacts folder you want to export and press the Next button.
- Browse for a location to save the Outlook offline file contacts to the computer.
- Click on the Finish button and your contacts start exporting to the CSV file format.
It’s done!
What are the Limitations of the Manual Approach?
This method is completely free, but it also has some limitations:
- Microsoft Outlook must be installed on your system
- User must connect to the Exchange server through their profiles
- Does not export contacts from corrupted OST file
- Technical expertise is required to follow all steps correctly
- Chances of data loss and takes a long time to export contacts
Method 2: Extract Contacts from OST File Without Outlook
Yota Email Converter Tool is a professional solution to retrieve OST file contacts. It allows you to export OST contacts to many other file formats such as PST, CSV, VCF, etc. The software saves contacts with all details like name, phone number, email id, photo, and more without any modification. You can also import OST contacts to Gmail and many other email accounts using the help of this wizard.
With this tool, it is possible to repair and export contacts from corrupted OST file without losing a single piece of information. It is not mandatory to have any technical knowledge of the extraction process. The software has a simple user interface that is easy to understand for any user. Along with this, it has the option to extract attachments from OST file without Outlook.
It supports OST files of Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and other editions. Moreover, it can be easily operable on any version of MS Windows such as Windows 11, 10, 8, etc. Users can also install it in multiple languages like English, German, French, Japanese, and more.
Steps to Export Contacts from Outlook OST File are:
- Launch the software and click Open > Email Data Files > Select OST file.
- Now, select the contacts you want to extract and click on Export option then choose the desired file format like VCF.
- Now, choose a destination where you want to store the exported contacts and click on the Save button.
Completed!
The Final Thoughts
Here we have explained the two effective methods to extract contacts from OST file. The manual method with Import/Export option requires Exchange server connectivity, and Outlook installation and it is not possible to export contacts from a corrupted OST file. So, if you want to quickly retrieve OST file contacts without Outlook, it is recommended to use the automated email conversion tool.