How to Extract Data from an OST file?
Microsoft Outlook uses OST (Offline Storage Table) files to store a local copy of mailbox data, allowing users to access and manage their emails offline. Any changes made are automatically synced with the server once the connection is restored. While OST files are essential for offline access, there are situations where you may need to extract data from an OST file—such as recovering emails from a deleted account, accessing data from a corrupted profile, or migrating to a new system.
In this article, you’ll learn how to extract data from an OST file in Outlook using both built-in methods and OST Converter. Whether you’re a regular user, IT professional, or admin, this guide covers everything you need to recover and manage your Outlook data efficiently.
Understanding OST Files in Outlook
An OST (Offline Storage Table) file is a locally stored copy of your Outlook mailbox, created when you set up an account with Microsoft Exchange, Outlook.com, Office 365, or IMAP. It enables users to access their emails, calendars, contacts, and other mailbox data even without an active internet connection.
The OST file syncs automatically with the mail server once the connection is restored, ensuring that any changes made offline are updated. This makes OST files vital for maintaining workflow in offline or unstable network environments.
However, since OST files are tied to a specific Outlook profile and account, they cannot be opened or imported directly into another Outlook profile. This limitation makes it necessary to extract data from an OST file in certain scenarios—especially when the original account or server is no longer available.
Understanding how OST files work is the first step in safely managing and recovering your Outlook data.
Methods to Extract Data from an OST File
Extracting data from an OST file in Outlook can be done in several ways, depending on whether the file is accessible, orphaned, or corrupted. Below are the most effective methods to help you safely recover emails, contacts, calendars, and more.
Method 1. Use Outlook Import/Export Feature
- Go to File > Open > Import/Export
- Select Export file > Outlook Data File (.pst)
- Choose folders (e.g., Inbox, Calendar) and save to your location.
Method 2. Enable AutoArchive (For Older Emails)
- Go to AutoArchive Settings and enable automatic email transfer to a PST file.
- Configure settings to automatically move old emails to a PST file.
- Set archive frequency and file path.
- Enable AutoArchive for folders you wish to manage.
Method 3. Drag and Drop Technique
You can manually extract specific items:
- Drag emails or folders to your desktop or a new PST file within Outlook.
- Save as individual .msg, .txt, or .html files.
How to Extract Data from an OST File?
If you want to extract data from an OST file then you need to opt BitRecover OST to PST Converter as this software is completely reliable to restore and convert damaged, corrupted, inaccessible and orphan OST files. This software has been a tried and tested utility to batch convert OST files without losing any data.
- Download and launch expert recommended software on your machine.
- Click on configured Outlook mailbox data or let me select Outlook profile.
- Select the OST mailbox data to export. Choose PST as the saving format.
- Set the destination path and click Next to begin extraction.
Benefits of the Automated Method:
- Easily extract emails, calendars, and contacts from an OST file.
- This software offers a simple initiative interface to easily perform by any professional or individual users.
- You can also convert OST to CSV, EML, PDF, PST, HTML, MBOX and 30+ Saving features.
- With this wizard, you can also use filter options as per date range, create PST year wise, subject, sender and recipients as required.
- It can also import OST to Gmail, Thunderbird, Maildir, Zimbra and all IMAP Supported email platforms.
Let’s Finish It
In this guide, we have shared all possible techniques to extract data from an OST file by manually and using an automated approach. As manually it has lots of drawbacks and no assurance of maintained mailbox data. So, we recommend you to opt for automated software as it is specially known for maintenance and no risk of data loss.