Top Solutions to Extract Attachments from OST Files

“Attachments hold far more value than the email they came with, which is why they are added safely in your email client. In some cases, you cannot even access that email without a synced Outlook profile and connection to Exchange.”

Furthermore, if your Outlook is down, or you are migrating accounts. Like, when a job ends and you switch to a new email, then all that’s left is a big .ost file. In that situation, the problem isn’t accessing your emails, but extracting the valuable attachments locked inside. So, how can you exactly extract them while your Outlook is corrupted, inaccessible, or not connected with the Exchange server?

Find out all about it briefly in the procedural section down here.

How to Export Attachments from OST Files?

You may be wondering if extracting attachments is much of a hassle due to the OST file accessibility. However, the process is simple with the right methods and tools. Below, we discuss a suitable manual method and an excellent professional tool for the extraction. Follow the detailed guides for successful outcomes in minimal time.

Manually Extract Attachments from OST Files

To manually extract attachments from an OST file, you’ll need the following:

• Microsoft Outlook on the PC/Mac.
• The original synced Exchange or IMAP account (to decrypt the OST)

After that, the instructions to save attachments from OST files are:

1. Open Outlook and allow the OST to fully sync.
2. Then, open the specific OST email that contains the attachment.
3. Further, right-click on the Attachment > and choose Save As.
4. Finally, select a destination for them and click Save.

Note: If you have multiple emails, first, sort by the attachment column, and later, repeat the steps.

Drawbacks of the Manual Process:

• You cannot access an OST if it is no longer attached to a profile or the account is not active.
• Finding and saving attachments can be hard if you have a large batch of emails.
• You cannot mass extract attachments from a sub-folder or by filtering.

Therefore, it is best if you prefer using expert software to extract attachments from OST files. Yet there are some conditions that the software must meet before you proceed with the extraction.

Key Features to Consider in a Professional Tool

• Support both ANSI and Unicode OST
• Inaccessible or orphaned OST file support
• Ability to skip duplicates and empty attachments
• Preview before final export without MS Outlook
• Option to extract inline and embedded attachments (vs standard)

Let’s see how the tool below meets the above requirements and is ideal in other matters as well.

How Top-Notch OST Attachment Extractor Helps?

When dealing with orphaned, inaccessible, or very large OST files, manual export of attachments isn’t a viable option. In those situations, a dedicated OST Converter Tool assists you without the need for Outlook to be open. It directly scans and extracts attachments with full accuracy and security.

Moreover, extract any format of attachment: PDFs, images, documents, zip, etc, and it will retain the original folder hierarchy. Also, bulk export the attachments as PDF in just a few clicks. If needed, you can even convert OST to vCard for your contacts and so on.

Instructional Guide to Extract Attachments from OST Files

1. Launch the OST Attachment Extractor Tool and click Next.
2. Afterward, import the .ost files with attachments into the tool.
3. Click Next and further, preview by the Preview/Attachments button.
4. Later, click Next and opt for PDF format from the list.
5. Additionally, choose the attachment filter you need to apply for saving.
6. At last, finalize a saving folder path for the same and click Convert.

Don’t you find it a bit too convenient? And you know what, here’s some good news. Whether you have bulk data volumes or are in a hurry for conversion, you can easily get it done in no time.

“Download the OST File Converter for the same or contact our tech support for one-time conversions or other customized extraction!”

Conclusion

OST files can be confusing to work with when Outlook is not available. However, using the correct method, you can quickly extract any and every attachment. From precious customer contracts to internal project assets, we have you covered! If you have a mission-critical need to extract attachments from OST files in bulk. Then, consider using a professional extractor rather than an innumerable and tiresome manual method. It is more efficient, accurate, and compliant.

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.