Ultimate Guide to Convert OST to TXT(Text) Format

Common Factors to Convert OST to Text

OST (Offline Storage Table) files are beneficial for Outlook users, but plain text files are more flexible and future-proof. Converting OST to TXT provides you with several operational advantages as:

• Platform independence and easy and quick access from everywhere.
• Streamlined data indexing and appropriate search of relevant data.
• TXT files are versatile, editable, and scalable, and can be used for multiple purposes.
• You can easily integrate TXT files with many applications and editors. 
• Compared to OSTs, TXT files are much lighter and suited for long-term storage and archival. 
• TXT backup helps with data recovery when the OST file is corrupted or orphaned.
• OST mailbox data remains safe and intact when the Exchange server is decommissioned or an employee leaves.

This defines all prominent reasons why the OST to TXT conversion is beneficial. Moving ahead, we will discuss the methods of conversion in complete detail. 

Conventional Approaches to Convert OST to TXT

In this section, find out two different solutions for the manual conversion of Outlook OST files. The methods are simple to follow, and you can directly perform them if you have an active Outlook profile, an installed application, and server connectivity. 

Note: OST files are tied and connected with specific Outlook profiles. In their absence, using manual methods won’t be feasible. 

Way 1: Export OST to TXT with MS Outlook 

1. Initially, open Outlook with the active OST profile and go to the folder containing emails. 
2. Then, choose the OST emails you want to convert and click File → Save As. 
3. A dialog box will open, and you can select the Text Only (*.txt) format in Save As Type. 
4. Finally, give your file a name, choose a location for it, and tap Save to secure data. 

Way 2: Save OST Emails as TXT Manually 

1. Open the folder containing Outlook OST files. 
2. Next, open any one email among them and press Ctrl + A keys to select the entire content. 
3. Then, use Ctrl + C keys to copy it, and after that, open a Text Editor application. (Say, Notepad)
4. Now, with Ctrl+V keys, paste the entire content and save it as a TXT file. 

These methods are useful, but they are time-consuming and not suitable for the bulk volume of OST emails. Additionally, they cannot preserve the entire content and structure, which can result in inconsistencies or loss. Moreover, these methods need specific Exchange and Outlook profiles and have no support for orphaned or inaccessible OSTs. 

Practical Approach to Convert OST to TXT in Bulk 

When the concern is about bulk data volume, scalability, security, flexibility, and accuracy. Then, using the SysInfo OST to PST File Converter is a smart and reliable solution for all technical and non-technical users. It provides complete support for converting single and multiple files simultaneously with 100% precision and no loss. In addition, the excellent tool preserves all folder structure, metadata, and content and attachments integrity. Moreover, its easy-to-use GUI works on all Windows and Mac OS and enables complete conversion in minimal time. 

Quick Steps to Export OST to TXT Format

1. Launch the OST File Converter Tool and click Next on the opening interface. 
2. After that, press Select File or Select Folder and upload the Outlook OST. Click Next. 
3. Further, from the tree view, select folders, preview them, and click Next to proceed. 
4. Later, opt for TXT format from the saving output menu and apply the filters. 
5. Finally, select a destination to save your OST files and click Convert. 

Addressing Common User Concerns 

The main concern of users is whether the “formatting is preserved,” and the “data is secure” or not when they convert OST to TXT format. Here are some key reasons why choosing this professional OST to PST File Converter is a perfect solution to these concerns:

• TXT is a plain text format, and conversion retains the entire email body data accurately. 
• From, To, Date, and Subject headers are preserved as in the original file. 
• Email attachments are saved as per the user’s choice in the same or a different location. 

Additionally, working locally on the OS, the software keeps all the data secure with no loss or alterations. If needed, the Demo Version is available for performance evaluation and functionality check. You can even use it to convert a specific number of OST files to TXT for free. For more know-how, check out this real user case:

Conclusion

Convert OST to TXT for accessibility, compliance, and long-term data usability. While the free methods can help with conversion, they fall short in scalability and reliability. Professional tools like OST to TXT Converter are a strategic solution that fulfils all the criterias and bulk converts data without loss. Users who seek platform independence, simplified email access, audit readiness, and easy data organization and handling. Getting the TXT format delivers them with clarity, durability, and operational efficiency. 

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.