Wednesday 20th August 2025

BLR Tools

Best Way to Export OST Emails to CSV – With & Without Outlook?
File formats, How to, Outlook

Best Way to Export OST Emails to CSV – With & Without Outlook?

Shella Negs

Learn the steps to export OST emails to CSV file with and without using Outlook. Keep reading to learn the most effective methods for OST to CSV conversion

If you are an Outlook user with Exchange, then you must be aware of the use of an OST file. This data file stores emails, contacts, calendars, and all other mailbox data. However, the issue arises when the OST file becomes orphan, i.e, not connected to its profile. When this happens, users can’t access their emails. The most effective solution is to export OST emails into a CSV file.

Why Convert OST Emails to CSV File?

There can be various reasons when users want to open OST file without Outlook application. Thus, converting OST file data into Excel file is the safest approach.

  • Email data, such as sender, subject, and date, can be extracted into a .csv file for easier sorting and analysis.
  • Since CSV files open without Outlook, they are more accessible across different platforms like Excel or Google Sheets.
  • CSV makes it easy to move Outlook data into other programs that support CSV file.
  • Being lightweight and easy to open, CSV files are perfect for long-term storage.

How to Export OST Emails to CSV File?

Today, in this post, we will discuss the two solutions for OST to CSV conversion. One method is the manual solution, which works if you have Outlook connected to the Exchange server where the .ost file was created. If it is an orphan OST file, then you need professional help.

  1. Manual Way to Open OST Emails in Excel File
  2. Automated Tool to convert OST to CSV with attachments

Let’s discuss these methods in detail with complete steps.

Method 1: Export OST to CSV Using Outlook

If you have an active Outlook profile and OST is connected with it, then follow the given steps.

1. Open Outlook on your system.

2. After that, click on File >> Open&Export >> Import/Export.

Export OST Emails to CSV File

3. Choose Export to a File >> Comma Separated Value (CSV).

convert ost to csv

4. Choose the email folders you want to export.

choose folders you wanty to export

5. Browse the location to save the exported data file and hit the Finish button.

Export OST to CSV File

Done! Here, complete the OST to CSV exporting. However, with this solution, there are a few limitations –

  • You need Outlook installed on your system with an IMAP account added that creates the OST file.
  • If your OST file is corrupted or damaged, then it will not work.
  • Most importantly, it will not export orphaned OST file to CSV file.

Method 2: Convert OST to CSV without Outlook

With the BLR OST Converter Tool, it is easy to convert emails from corrupted or orphaned OST file without any hassle. The software effortlessly converts your emails without needing to install OST file. Most importantly, the tool maintains email folder and sub-folder structure and hierarchy. If you want to export selective folders from OST file, then you can choose them as well.

To experience its working, you can download the trial version of the software.

download free software

Steps to Open OST File in Excel without Outlook

1. Open the BLR OST File Converter Tool on your system.

2. Click on Add file and browse your OST file.

Add the OST file you want to export

3. Here, you can view your folder hierarchy and choose whether you want to export.

Select the email folders

4. From the multiple export options, choose CSV format.

Export OST Emails to CSV file

5. Browse to the location to save the export file and hit the Export button.

Convert OST to CSV

Done! Here you have exported emails from the OST file into CSV without using Outlook.

After that, open the Google Sheet, File >> Import >> and upload the .csv file.

open OSt fiel in Excel Sheet

Now you can access your emails in Excel without any hassle.

Why Use BLR OST to CSV Converter over Manual Method?

The software offers various outstanding features, including –

  • Effortlessly export OST Emails to CSV with attachments.
  • Allows to upload OST emails to Office 365 and many other webmail accounts.
  • Maintain email folder hierarchy while converting OST emails.
  • This OST to CSV Converter works on Windows 11, 10, 7, 8, and other versions.
  • Preview mode helps users to view their emails before exporting them.
  • Delete duplicate emails from OST file before converting them into CSV Excel.
  • Effortlessly convert inaccessible OST file to PST format without any data loss.
  • Date range filter for those who want to convert emails from a particular time frame.

Conclusion

An orphaned OST file can block access to your Outlook data, but converting it to CSV makes it easy to use. This blog is drafted for users who are looking for a way to convert OST emails to CSV file. In the above blog section, we mentioned two solutions –

  • If Outlook is still connected → use the manual method.
  • If the OST is fully orphaned → use the BLR OST to CSV Converter tool.

This lets you quickly open, manage, and back up your emails, contacts, and other data in Microsoft Excel. Hope you find this article helpful.