How to Export Contacts from OST to PST File

Updated On - October 24, 2023 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 3 minutes

Offline Storage Table (OST) file stores all the Exchange data on the user’s system and makes it available for users even if the Exchange Server is unavailable or Outlook is in offline mode. It contains all user mailbox items including emails and contacts. In this blog, we learn all possible verified methods to export contacts from OST to PST files.

Personal Storage Table (PST) file is a portable database file stored on the system drive location containing complete Outlook email client data within it such as mailbox folder items (emails, contacts, calendars, notes, tasks, groups, etc.), structure properties, rules, etc.

Why do Users Need to Export Contacts from OST to PST File

• When the Exchange Server connection is unavailable.
• If you wants to take a backup of contacts permanently to Outlook PST file.
• If user wants to migrate from Windows to Mac environment or from one Windows system to another.
• Exchange users want to take a backup of contacts files to avoid data loss situations.

2 Verified Methods to Export Contacts from OST to PST File

1st Method: Free Manual Way using Import/Export Feature of Outlook

2nd Method: Professional Regain OST Converter Tool

1st method: Using Import/Export Feature to Export Contacts from OST to PST file

To export contacts from OST File to PST File, the Import/Export feature of MS Outlook can be used. This method works only when the users are connected to the Server through their Exchange profiles.

Perform the below steps to export Contacts from OST File to PST File using Import/Export Feature of Outlook:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook application.
2. Click File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. The Import and Export Wizard appears. Select Export to a file, click Next.
4. The Export to a File wizard appears. Select Outlook Data File (.pst), click Next.
5. The Export Outlook Data File wizard appears. Select Contacts, select Include subfolders checkbox if you want to include subfolders as well. Click Next.
6. Click Browse to provide the destination location for saving the file. Select among the available options:
   • Replace duplicates with items exported
   • Allow duplicate items to be created
   • Do not export duplicate items

   Click Finish.

7. You can create a password-protected PST file by entering a password. Enter the password, confirm it and click OK.

Outlook 2010: Export Contacts from OST to PST File

1. Click the File tab.
2. Click Options.
3. The Outlook Options wizard appears. Click Advanced.
4. Under the Export section, click Export.
5. Select Export to a file, click Next.
6. Select Outlook Data File (.pst), click Next.
7. The Export Outlook Data File wizard appears. Select Contacts, select Include subfolders checkbox if you want to include subfolders as well. Click Next.
8. Click Browse to provide the destination location for saving the file. Select among the available options:
   • Replace duplicates with items exported
   • Allow duplicate items to be created
   • Do not export duplicate items

   Click Finish.

9. You can create a password-protected PST file by entering a password. Enter the password, confirm it and click OK.

Export Contacts from OST to PST File in MS Outlook 2007 version

1. Click File.
2. Click Import and Export.
3. Select Export to a file, click Next.
4. Click Personal File Folder (.pst), click Next.
5. The Export Personal Folders wizard appears. Select Contacts, select Include subfolders checkbox if you want to include subfolders as well. Click Next.
6. Click Browse to provide the destination location for saving the file. Select among the available options:
   • Replace duplicates with items exported
   • Allow duplicate items to be created
   • Do not export duplicate items

   Click Finish.

7. You can create a password-protected PST file by entering a password. Enter the password, confirm it and click OK.

Limitations with Manual method

• Outlook users must be connected with Exchange Server through their own profiles.
• The manual method does not work in case OST files are corrupted, damaged, or the Exchange Server is in a down state.
• Unable to export orphaned OST file contacts.
• There are chances of data loss and damage.
• The manual method is a complex, time-consuming, and lengthy process.
• Difficult to understand for new users, requires technical knowledge to perform the steps in an accurate manner.
• If the procedure is not followed strictly or anything goes wrong, the OST file can get corrupted.

Professional Tool for Exporting Outlook OST Contacts to PST File

Regain OST to PST Converter is a professional tool to export Outlook contacts from OST file to PST file. The software supports exporting contacts from corrupted or damaged OST file or even Exchange Server is in down state. The solution is fully compatible with all Outlook OST files and Windows Operating System versions. The utility is available as a free to download demo version. Download the demo version for free and check its capabilities of accurately exporting contacts from OST file to PST file. If satisfied with the capabilities, purchase the full licensed version of OST to PST Converter software.
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Conclusion

This article discusses the manual method for exporting contacts from OST file to PST file using inbuilt Import/Export feature in Outlook. This manual method does not work in case of corrupted or damaged OST files. This article recommends using a third-party solution OST to PST Converter to export contacts from OST file to PST file.