Simple Steps to Convert OST to Text(TXT) Format

How OST File Differs from the TXT?

To understand the conversion needs, we must first learn about the specific file formats. The difference table below will give clarity on OST and TXT. 

Outlook Storage Table (OST)	Text (TXT)
A structured and proprietary Outlook file format storing mailbox data for offline use	An unstructured, universally readable plain text format holding email content for reading, indexing, and analysis.
Is only compatible with MS Outlook	Can be viewed with any Text Editor
Stores and preserves folder, metadata, and HTML attachments	Contains only message bodies with basic headers and no attachments
Contains everything in the original format and takes up more space	Save everything as raw data, which is lightweight with less storage

Thus, this defines that OST files are not built for manual extraction, portability, or use outside Outlook/Exchange. These cache copies of mailbox data can only be useful for compliance, offline portability, or documentation when saved as TXT. 

Manual Approach to Convert OST to Text

Two free solutions can be used for the manual OST to TXT conversion, depending on the number of files and the time you have. 

#1: Outlook Save OST Emails as TXT File 

1. First, launch MS Outlook and then move to the folder containing OST emails. 
2. Then, select all the emails you want to convert and press the File tab. 
3. After that, choose Save As, and a dialog box appears. 
4. Select Text Only (*.txt) format from file type and give it a name. 
5. In the end, choose a destination to save and click Save. 

Note: This approach is useful to save individual OST emails directly through Outlook. 

#2: Export Emails from OST to TXT

1. Start Outlook and make sure you can access the OST emails. 
2. Then, open an email and press Ctrl + A keys to select all content. 
3. Further, click Ctrl + C to copy all the highlighted email content. 
4. Afterward, open any Text Editor application of your choice. Say, Notepad. 
5. Finally, paste the copied content with Ctrl + V and save it as TXT. 

Note: It is the easiest and simplest method to retain the email body content and save data as Text. 

Loopholes of the Manual Method 

• You can only convert emails to text one by one and not in bulk. 
• Time-intensive process for large volumes of OST emails. 
• Emails are not saved as EML in a well-structured format. 
• You need an active Outlook profile connected with Exchange server.
• Folder structure is not preserved, and attachments are not saved either.

Professional Approach to Convert OST to Text

The MailConverterTools OST to PST Converter easily handles bulk conversion for large email volumes with attachments. It preserves the email formatting and even allows you to save attachments separately (if required). Additionally, the folder hierarchy is maintained, and the process is quick and efficient with various advanced capabilities. Moreover, it offers a demo version to save upto 50 emails as TXT per folder for free and without any hassle. 

Simple Steps to Convert OST File to TXT

1. Launch the OST to Outlook PST Converter and choose any of the radio options. Tap Next. 
2. Further, select the OST files to upload and click Open to add. Press Next. 
3. After that, review the folders from the tree structure, preview, select, and tap Next. 
4. Later, select the TXT format and apply the filters you require for conversion. 
5. At last, choose a Save Path for your resultant file and click Convert. 

Note: For other customizations and quick conversions without software installation, avail One-Time Service by SysInfo. 

Conclusion

The file format conversion provides a simple, portable, and cross-platform way of accessing your email’s contents. Whether it is for compliance, documentation, migration, or archival purposes, manual export methods are good when you need to perform an initial export. However, using professional MailConverterTools OST Converter offers greater accuracy, speed, and dependability to convert OST to Text for your business workflow. Thus, providing immediate access to your OST data without any restrictions by Outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

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