How to Convert OST to CSV with Contacts – Easy Steps

Summary: When you need Outlook OST contacts and address information on your local system, conversion to CSV is the best option. Comma-Separated Value format is lightweight and stores data in a tabular format. Additionally, CSVs can be imported into Google Contacts, Excel, or other CRM tools for analysis. Yet, OST files aren’t meant for direct open or export, especially if the original Outlook profile doesn’t exist or is orphaned. Hence, convert OST to CSV is explained here with free solutions and an OST to PST Converter Tool for efficiency.

Common Needs to Extract Contacts from OST to CSV

Offline Storage Table files are generated when MS Outlook syncs with Exchange, IMAP, and Office 365. But after the disconnection, the OST files are orphaned and inaccessible. Thus, to open OST file on another computer and more, users convert them to CSV. The other scenarios are:

  • Exporting Outlook contacts for CRM or use in business.
  • Extracting mobile, phone number, and address information for audits.
  • Migrating contacts from Outlook to another platform like Gmail, Yahoo, etc.
  • Accessing OST file contacts and email data without MS Outlook.

Pro Tips for Accurate OST to CSV Conversions

  • Always check and preview the data before exporting to match the fields correctly.
  • Filter your data in case you need specific contacts or files from a specific time.
  • Avoid free online OST to CSV Converter Tools as they rarely support the export of contacts, too.
  • Backup your OST files before performing the migration to ensure your data is safe.

Strategies Convert OST to CSV with Contacts

In this section, we have mentioned one top free solutions preferred by several users. Another one is an expert-recommended software that makes the process smooth and efficient. You can explore both methods and find out which one best fits your needs. Let’s begin with the relevant solutions right away.

Manual Method to Move Outlook OST to CSV Excel

To process the conversion, follow the steps one by one, and then you will get the successful results with ease. These are:

  1. Start your active MS Outlook profile (one that originally contains OST).
  2. Then, hover your mouse over File, click it, and open the menu.
  3. Next, you will get the Open and Export option in the list. Press it.
  4. Further, start the Import/Export wizard from the same. Tap Export to File.
  5. Click Next and continue to opt for the Comma Separated Values (CSV).
  6. Afterward, click Next and pick Contacts and other items (emails) to move.
  7. With Next, move forward and choose your destination by the Browse button.
  8. At last, click Finish and complete to finalize the convert OST to CSV.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

  • The method doesn’t work if your OST file is from a deleted or inaccessible Outlook profile.
  • It also doesn’t help if the OST file is corrupted or Outlook doesn’t load.
  • Also, this method is time-consuming and not ideal for bulk exports of OST files.
  • Moreover, there is no guarantee that the folder structure or metadata, and attachments remain intact.

To overcome all of them, we have a better alternative as a professional tool, explained as follows.

Dedicated Software to Export OST Files into CSV

If you are dealing with OST files from old systems or deactivated Outlook profiles. Or, you need to bulk export OST contacts, emails, calendars, etc., to CSV or other formats. Then the SysInfo OST to PST Converter Tool is the all-in-one solution with reliable features and filters. It supports large files with attachments for batch export without compromising the structure or data integrity.

Best suited for: IT admins, compliance teams, and businesses extracting large contact databases from legacy Outlook systems or archives.

Quick Working to Convert OST to CSV Effortlessly

  1. Launch the OST File to CSV Converter and, with a radio option, click Next.
  2. Then, choose your OST files from your PC by the Select button and press Open to add.
  3. Click Next once all the files are added, and preview them from the tree structure.
  4. Further, select the respective folders (Contacts, Mails, etc.) to export and click Next.
  5. After that, choose CSV from the list, pick the filters, and specify your desired Path to Save.
  6. Finally, press the Convert button to extract contacts from OST to CSV successfully.

To better understand how this tool is beneficial for you, look at this real-world scenario:

“A healthcare consultancy needed access to old OST archives from a deactivated Outlook 2016 profile. They wanted to migrate 4500+ contacts into a CRM that supported only CSV file uploads. Since Outlook wasn’t connected to MS Exchange Server anymore, the manual export was impossible.”


Using an automated OST Converter, they were able to:

  • Swiftly export only the Contacts folder
  • Save contact data into a clean Excel CSV sheet
  • Avoid reinstallation of MS Outlook or Exchange Server

Result? They saved over 85% migration time with zero data loss and full accuracy.

Conclusion

Whether you are working with data migration, archives, or CRM onboarding. The ability to convert OST to CSV provides you with flexibility, portability, and control. While Outlook’s built-in export works for some cases and a few migrations, it is not suited for large datasets. Instead, the professional tool works fine for such cases, ensuring speed, accuracy, and access to Outlook files from any version on any OS.

Processing 100s or 1000s of OST to CSV? Use our demo tool for a few free conversions and to explore the software. Or, consult our data export team for personalized conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I move Outlook OST to CSV Excel without Outlook?

Ans- Yes, of course, you can. The OST to CSV File Converter Tool here has the ability to change OST files without Outlook installation. It is highly secure, easy to use, and makes the process quick and efficient.

Q.  Will the converted CSV preserve all the OST contact fields?

Ans- Use the OST File Converter to export OST files into CSV, and then indeed your contact fields are preserved in the original order. But with the manual conversions, you cannot be assured of it.

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About The Author:

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.

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