Convert OST to CSV Manually and Pro Methods

Rollins Duke
Published: April 25th, 2025 • 9 Min Read

This post is written to answer the question asked by one of our clients for OST to CSV Converter.

Hello there! I screwed up. I need to extract contacts from OST file to CSV format. One-time event. Will your software do it and what will it cost?

Nowadays, several Outlook users are finding the solution to convert OST file to CSV (Comma Separated Values) format. If you are searching for the same, then your search ends now. Today we will share the best & the easiest way to accomplish this task, inclusive of emails messages and contacts. The key benefit of converting OST files into CSV is that users can quickly read CSV files using MS Excel, and the CSV file takes up less space to store the data.

Understanding about OST and CSV File

OST file is used by Microsoft Outlook to store mailbox data such as emails, contacts, calendar and all other Outlook data offline. When connected to an Exchange, Microsoft 365, or Outlook.com account. It creates a synchronized copy of your mailbox data in the form of an OST file. It allows users to work their emails, calendars, contacts and other mailbox items without having stable connectivity.

CSV file is a simple text format for storing tabular data. Each line in the file corresponding to a row in the table and columns are separated by commas. CSV files are widely supported by spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheet and databases.

Why Convert OST to CSV?

Users may want to extract email data like sender, subject, and data into a spreadsheet for sorting and analysis.
CSV files can be opened without Outlook making them more accessible across various platforms.
It can be used to move specific data from Outlook to other platforms that accept spreadsheet input.
CSV file is ideal for storing long term in human readable format.

OST to CSV Converter Free Download Application:

To convert your Outlook / Exchange OST into CSV file format, you should download this amazing application BitRecover OST Converter Wizard. The application is specially designed to import Contacts & emails from Outlook OST to CSV Excel spreadsheets, moreover, the tool can easily repair the damaged OST files.

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Note: Also, a demo edition of the software is available to Convert OST file to CSV format. Users can download it for free to evaluate toolkit performance before purchasing the software.

How to Export OST Files into CSV Format?

You can follow the step by step procedure to transfer your offline storage table .ost file to .csv format:

Step1: Now, Kindly Download OST to CSV Converter Application and install it on any Windows Computer.

Step2: It supports dual mode to select Source data (OST or PST) as “Convert configured Outlook mailbox data” option, which is useful for automatically uploading OST files from the default storage location and the second Option is “Let me select my Outlook mailbox data” to select OST file from specific location.

Step3: Now the software starts analyzing the files/folders, users can check the required folder for the conversion.

Step4: Here, Choose the CSV saving option to convert your Source data into an Excel sheet.

Step5: Now, click on the Next Button to start the conversion procedure.

Step6: The tool will start converting your files from OST to CSV format, where the user can analyze the live conversion process.

Step7: After a successful conversation, you will receive the messages of completion, now Hit on Ok tab to Exit from here

Step8: After converting the OST data to CSV format, the software will automatically open the destination path so that users can easily find the resultant CSV files.

Here you can analyze that you can convert your OST files to CSV format in just a few simple steps. The application comes up with the free demo version as mentioned earlier. So download it to enjoy benefits.

Feature of OST to CSV Converter Application:

Application has the functionality to load .ost files automatically from the default data location of Microsoft Outlook.
OST File to CSV Converter Software allows the users to export emails from OST Mailbox data to CSV including contacts Details.
Allows the users to bulk convert OST files to CSV without having any size limitation.
The application provides the “Use Recovery Mode” option, which allows the users to convert damaged & corrupted, and inaccessible OST files into healthy CSV format.
The main reason for choosing the OST to CSV converter application is that it will maintain the folder system hierarchy.
The application gives permission to change the destination path simply by clicking on the Folder icon.
The smart solution provides a preview of the OST files, Users have the freedom to choose the selective OST file conversion.
After successfully completing the process to convert OST Files to CSV. The tool automatically opens the destination path so that users can easily find the resultant CSV files.

Manual Methods to Convert OST to CSV

If you have active Outlook profile that configured with OST file then you can perform it manually by following the instructions as we have explained below:

First, Make sure Outlook profile is active or synchronized with OST file.
Then, Navigate to file and click on open and export and next hit on Import or Export files and Settings.
Now, Import/Export Wizard will pop on your display, Select Export to a file and click Next to confirm.
After that, Choose Comma Separated Value(CSV) and hit on Next to proceed.
Here, Browse Outlook mailbox folders as you want to export.
Select, Choose the destination path and check that you do not export duplicates.
Finally, Press finish to successfully convert OST to CSV.

Boundaries of Manual Method

You must have an original Outlook profile and access to Outlook.
This manual approach only reliable when you have active Outlook profile.
You have to repeat the process to convert each OST file as it is not reliable for batch OST files.
This manual approach is not reliable for corrupted or orphan OST file.

Common Challenges and Solutions in OST to CSV Conversion

Challenges: OST files are linked with Outlook profile. If an Outlook account is deleted or the profile becomes corrupted,then the OST file turns into an orphan and can’t be accessed through Outlook.
Solution: Use OST to CSV Converter tool as it allows to easily read and extract data from orphan or damaged OST files without requiring Outlook installation.
Challenges: Power Outages, Virus Attack or Abrupt system shutdown can corrupt OST files and not allow export from Outlook.
Solution: Opt for Advanced OST Recovery Tool as it can easily recover lost data from OST file and can convert OST to PST, MSG EML, PDF and many more.
Challenges: User mostly faces attributes or Metafields will not maintained as appears in OST file.
Solution: Download OST to CSV Converter as it preserved custom field mapping and maintained correctly in the CSV structure without compromising with your mailbox data.
Challenges: Manual approaches usually fail to maintain original folder structure(e.g., Inbox, Sent, Custom Folders)in the CSV file, making data organization difficult.
Solution: Use an OST Converter that preserves folder hierarchy during export and even allows you to export selected folders only.
Challenges: Handling Sensitive Email Data can be risky, especially when using unreliable or cloud-based tools for conversion.
Solution: Choose Offline, locally installed OST to CSV Converter software from BitRecover Software as it ensures that Your data stays on your machine and is no risk of being exposed online.

Best Practices for Converting OST to CSV

Before performing any conversion, always create a backup of the OST file. As it provides a safety in case of conversion fails or files get corrupted.
Check the OST file is connected to an Outlook profile to perform it manually. Otherwise you can use OST to CSV Converter as it is a reliable choice to convert orphan OST files.
Outdated tools or software do not maintain the structure of the OST file or are not compatible with the latest configuration. Always use a well supported or updated solution to convert OST to CSV.
Not all data in an OST file may be necessary. A good tool should allow you to select specific folders(like Inbox, Sent or Contacts) or specific fields to export, saving time and reducing file size.
When Converting OST to CSV file, Check field mapping such as from, subject, date are managed correctly. Misaligned columns can lead to confusion or possibility of data loss.
If you are converting a large size OST file, preserving folder formatting can help with better management and easy to locate data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques1 – How can I convert OST files to CSV Format?

Ans1- Please follow these steps to export OST files to CSV Format.

Run BitRecover OST to CSV Converter and select OST files from the computer.

Choose OST folders and CSV as saving formats from the software panel.

Now, select the data storage path and click on the Convert button to start the conversion.

OST files to CSV conversion process has been completed with the completion message.

Ques2 – Does your software allows you to convert Email messages from OST to CSV format.

Ans2- Yes, the application is capable to export the OST files to CSV format including emails, contacts, etc.

Ques3 – Is it possible to export Emails from OST file to CSV in bulk?

Ans3- Yes, the Software is capable to move emails from OST to CSV format in batch without size limitation.

Ques4 – Can I convert corrupted OST files into healthy CSV format?

Ans4- Yes, the automated solution is able to export contacts & Emails from damaged Outlook / Exchange OST files to CSV without losing any important information.

Time to Say Goodbye

OST to CSV Converter is a simple tool for exporting Outlook/Exchange/IMAP OST files to CSV format. However, The main part is that the application can export numerous files at once, saving users valuable time. In case you stuck during conversion you can contact our Support Team 24/. Our team feels happy to help you.