Extract Contacts from OST File: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

While cleaning up the duplicate files from a folder, the user mistakenly deletes the contact folder. But the OST file maintains a local copy of the mailbox data. Hence, we can extract contacts from OST file before the next synchronization. In this article, we will share multiple techniques for extracting contacts from an OST file. Moreover, to avoid errors during the process, use the Cigati OST to PST Converter. It simplifies the process without any risk of data corruption.

Importance of Exporting Contacts from OST File

Many organizations extract contacts from Outlook OST file for legal compliance and audit purposes. Below, we have listed several practical reasons for this extraction process:

• If the Outlook fails to load, retrieving contacts from an OST file is the only solution.
• When upgrading to a new system, users back up contacts from the OST to transfer them when needed.
• The user can still extract contacts from the OST if the company deactivates their email account.
• In the event of file corruption or data loss, it is advisable to export the contacts from the OST file separately.
• You can retrieve contacts from the OST cached file in case a contact folder is mistakenly deleted. 

Simple Ways to Extract Contacts from OST File 

You can retrieve the contacts from an OST file using a manual method using Outlook. Moreover, a professional tool is also introduced that makes the process simpler and effective.

#1: Manually Export Contacts from OST File

To successfully execute this method, make sure to link your OST file with the Outlook profile. It exports the OST file data in a PST file, and then this PST file can be imported into Outlook.  

Use the following instructions to start the process:

1. Open MS Outlook and head to the File tab.
2. Then, press Open & Export > Import/Export and select Export to a file.
3. Click Next and then choose Outlook Data File (.pst) > Next.
4. Now, press on the Contacts folder and choose a destination location, and save the resultant file. 
5. Finally, hit Finish.

#2: Extract Outlook OST Contacts File by Archiving

Users can back up older contacts from the OST file by using Outlook’s Archive option. This is the best option to extract older contacts from OST rather than deleting them.

The following are the steps to initiate the process:

1. In the Microsoft Outlook application, press the File tab.
2. After that, go to Options > Advanced.
3. Under the AutoArchive section, click on AutoArchive Settings.
4. Now, choose Archive this folder and all subfolders.
5. Then, select the Contacts folder that you would want to archive.
6. Browse and choose the path to save the resultant archived PST file, and click Ok.

Challenges Faced by the Users with the Manual Methods

• If your OST file is orphaned, the manual procedure will not work.
• It will take a considerable amount of time while handling a large list of contacts.
• The Archive method will not archive the recent contacts. It will only archive the older contacts or the older contact list.
• The user has limited control over the archiving process. 

#3: Smart Solution to Extract Contacts from OST File Without Outlook

An efficient and secure Cigati OST to PST Converter extracts the contacts from an OST file easily. This professional solution maintains the data’s original folder structure. Also, this tool is perfectly designed to handle large OST files without any data loss. With its advanced features, users can selectively choose the folders or data from the time period they need. Moreover, it includes a preview option that allows users to check everything before conversion. 

Simple steps to perform contacts extraction from OST file:

1. Download, install, and launch the tool on your system.
2. Choose whether to Select File or Multiple Files/Folders > Next.
3. After that, find the desired OST file in your system and select it.
4. Now, choose the folders to be converted to PST, preview them, and click Next to proceed.
5. Next, from the available saving File Formats, choose VCF or PST and define the destination to save the resultant file.
6. At the end, click on the Convert button to start the conversion.

Conclusion

The extraction of contacts from an OST file is necessary in case of accidentally deleting the contacts folder. In the above blog, we have highlighted solutions to extract contacts from OST file efficiently. We have provided step-by-step manual methods that work, but are time-consuming and inefficient. Therefore, for a quick and efficient result, choose a smart tool, Cigati OST to PST Converter. This converter tool provides great results with 100% accuracy.

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