Read time 5 minutes
OST file is one of the two types of data files used by Outlook. When Outlook is configured with Exchange Server, the OST file becomes vital because it allows you to work in the offline mode.
When the Exchange Server is down or unavailable, the OST file is still there in the memory. However, if your system crashes or becomes inaccessible, the OST file will get corrupted or lost. Exporting contacts allows email communication possible even after losing the file. With appropriate technical knowledge, users can export these contacts; however, this article is the perfect guide for those who don’t know how to perform this.
Reasons to export contacts from OST to PST file
Extracting contacts from OST files helps users prevent substantial data loss. Here, we provide some benefits of taking a backup of contacts from the OST file.
- Save data from loss caused by accidental deletion.
- Data safety against file corruption.
- Free up space from the OST file by deleting contacts from it after saving.
- Help in easy transit of data to another system.
How to export contacts from OST files to PST?
Sometimes, end users or administrators want to export Contacts from OST files to PST files for various reasons. Here, we will discuss how they can easily export contacts from OST file.
There are two methods by which users can export their contacts:
- Manual method (using the Import/Export feature of Outlook).
- Automated method (using OST conversion tool).
Export contacts using the Import/Export feature of Outlook
The Import/Export feature of MS Outlook allows you to export the contacts to a PST file. However, this method works only when the users are connected to the Server through their Exchange profiles. The steps are:
- Open Outlook and click on File, point to Open & Export.
- Click on Import/Export to Import and Export Wizard
- Select Export to a File, and then click Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
- In this step, select Contacts and click Next.
- Click the Browse button, select your file saving location, and then click Finish.
Note: Don’t forget to choose the required options. - Now you can create a password protected PST by entering a password. Otherwise click Next.
This method allows you to save a password protected copy of contacts from an OST file. Keep it at a safe location and you can import the PST to Outlook as and when required.
Export contacts using OST conversion tool
The manual export of OST files to PST formats requires Outlook users to connect to the Exchange Server through their own profiles. So, it’s not possible to export or convert OST files when they are damaged or when the Exchange Server is down. But third-party tools like Kernel for OST to PST converter can extract contacts from OST files to PST files even in such situations.
Here are some offered features of the tool:
- Export contacts from the OST file to PST file.
- Allows saving contacts to destinations like Office 365, Gmail, MS Exchange server, Novell GroupWise, and Domino Server.
- Convert OST to PST, PDF, MSG, and other formats.
- Supports converting multiple OST files at once.
- Folder hierarchy remains the same during the extract process.
Conclusion
This article focused on two simple methods to export contacts from OST to PST. It began with informing you of a manual way of doing this in the above article. However, we suggest an automated Kernel OST to PST Converter tool to get the job done in no time & with the utmost security. Use this OST to PST conversion software for an instant solution to extract contacts from OST files.
