How to Extract Contacts from Outlook PST File: 4 Best Methods

  • Written By  

  • Updated on November 18th, 2024

Summary:- Outlook Personal Storage Table (PST) files are a common format for storing Outlook data, including emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and more. Extracting contacts from Outlook PST files is crucial for managing and backing up contact information. Whether you need to move contacts to a new platform, recover lost data, or simply organize your Outlook account, this guide will help you achieve the task efficiently. This blog highlights four reliable methods to extract contacts from Outlook PST files, including using the Aryson PST Converter, one of the most robust tools available.

Why Extract Contacts from PST File?

There are several reasons why users may need to extract contacts from their Outlook PST file. Below are some of the most common scenarios:

  1. Backup and Recovery: Regular extraction of contacts ensures vital information is backed up and recoverable in case of file corruption or deletion.
  2. Platform Migration: Extracting contacts from PST files enables smooth migration to other email platforms like Gmail or Thunderbird.
  3. File Corruption: Extracting contacts helps preserve data before attempting repairs on corrupted PST files.
  4. Organizing Contacts: Extracting and organizing contacts into separate files makes it easier to manage and access them in the future.

4 Best Methods to Extract Contacts from Outlook PST File

Now, let’s discuss the four best methods to extract contacts from your Outlook PST file.

1. Using Aryson PST Converter

Aryson PST Converter is one of the most advanced tools for managing Outlook PST files. It simplifies the extraction of contacts and other data from PST files, offering a quick and reliable solution. The software provides an intuitive user interface and supports batch processing, allowing you to extract multiple contacts simultaneously.

Steps to Extract Contacts from PST File Using Aryson Converter:

  • Step 1: Download and install the Aryson PST Converter on your system.
  • Step 2: Launch the software and click on “Add File” to load your Outlook PST file.
  • Step 3: Choose the “Contacts” option under the data types.
  • Step 4: Select the destination format (e.g., CSV, vCard, or Excel) for your contacts.
  • Step 5: Click on “Convert” to begin the extraction process.
  • Step 6: Once the process is complete, your contacts will be saved in the chosen format, ready for use.

Aryson PST Converter stands out for its speed, ease of use, and the variety of formats it supports, ensuring the extracted contacts are accessible across multiple platforms.

2. Manual Export Method in Outlook to Extract PST Contacts

For those who prefer not to use third-party tools, Outlook offers a built-in option to export contacts directly from the PST file. This method is simple but can be time-consuming if you have a large contact list.

Steps to Extract Contacts from Outlook PST File Manually:

  • Step 1: Open Outlook and click on “File” in the top menu.
  • Step 2: Select “Open & Export” and then “Import/Export.”
  • Step 3: Choose the “Export to a file” option and click “Next.”
  • Step 4: Select “Microsoft Excel” or “Comma Separated Values” as the file type.
  • Step 5: Choose the “Contacts” folder from your PST file.
  • Step 6: Specify the location where you want to save the exported file and complete the process.

This method is effective for extracting contacts, but it lacks the flexibility and speed that a third-party tool like Aryson PST Converter offers.

3. Using Outlook Web Access (OWA)

Outlook Web Access (OWA) allows users to access their email and contacts via a web browser. If your contacts are synced with the Exchange server, you can use OWA to export them. However, this method only works for contacts stored on the Exchange server and not those within the PST file itself.

Steps to Extract Outlook PST File Contacts Using OWA:

  • Step 1: Log in to your Outlook account via the web browser.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the “People” section to view your contacts.
  • Step 3: Look for the “Manage” option and select “Export.”
  • Step 4: Choose the file format you wish to use (e.g., CSV or vCard) and save the file.

While OWA is convenient for Exchange-based accounts, it’s not an option for contacts saved exclusively within a PST file.

4. Extract Contacts from PST File without Outlook Using Third-Party Software

There are numerous third-party applications available that allow you to extract contacts from Outlook PST files. These tools offer more advanced features than the built-in Outlook export option and can handle large volumes of contacts more efficiently.

Examples of Other Tools:

  • Sysinfo PST Converter: Known for its simplicity and reliability, this tool supports conversion of Outlook contacts into multiple file formats.
  • MSOutlookHelp PST Converter: This tool can extract contacts from corrupted PST files, in addition to performing standard extractions.

Each of these tools works similarly to Aryson PST Converter, though some may come with additional features like PST file repair or email migration capabilities.

Conclusion

Extracting contacts from an Outlook PST file can be done in several ways, from manual methods to third-party software solutions. For users looking for an efficient, reliable, and user-friendly method, Aryson PST Converter is one of the best options available. It allows you to quickly extract contacts from your PST file and save them in a format that can be used across various platforms. Whether you’re backing up your contacts, migrating to a new system, or recovering lost data, these methods offer versatile and practical solutions to meet your needs.

For best results, it’s recommended to use a specialized tool like Aryson PST Converter, which is designed specifically for this purpose and ensures your contacts are extracted safely and in the desired format.

5/5 - (1 vote)

About The Author:

Rohan Wiese is a Technical Content Writer at Aryson Technologies, specializing in databases, e-mail recovery, and e-mail migration solutions. He enjoys conducting research and generating information that assists database administrators, businesses, and novices in resolving issues with MS SQL Server, MySQL databases, Cloud Computing, and Microsoft Exchange.

Realted Post

offer image

Aryson Technologies

united states

2880 Zanker Road, Suite 203, San Jose, CA - 95134, USA

india

A-58 , 2nd Floor A Block Sector 57, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301

© Copyrights 2014-2024 by Aryson Technologies Private Limited - All Rights Reserved