Article -> Article Details

While managing mailboxes of Outlook, user faces a problem in exporting the entire data of an OST file, which is not needed and time-consuming. Instead, the need to export only specific folders or events, like emails and attachments, arises. This is known as Selective OST Data Export. By using this process, users can save time, storage, and reduce mess when exporting their data files.

Note: In this Article, you will learn why Selective export is important to keep your data safe using several methods. 

Why Go for Selective Data Export Of the OST File?

Offline Storage Table (OST) files are the way Outlook stores mailbox data locally. These files grow very large at times; they also contain folders like junbk, empty drafts, and that are not even necessary to keep. Exporting all data at once can create a mess while repairing specific data, and it will also consume extra space.

Reasons to Perform Selective OST Data Export:

• Exporting an empty folder should be avoided.

• Keep a track of important data in the file.

• Reducing mailbox data improves Outlook’s performance.

• It saves time and space while transferring data.

Selective OST Data Export - User-Friendly Methods

1.Import/Export Wizard:

It is an in-built option in Microsoft Outlook that allows exporting of the OST data in PST output format.

1. Outlook, then file, Open & Export > Import/Export.

2. Choose a file and press Next.

3. Select the data file.

4. Preview and select the mailbox or folders you want to export.

5. Find a location to save the output file.

6. Finish the process.

Limitation: 

This method does not export data from damaged and corrupted OST files, and the option of filters are limited.

2. Advanced filters in Outlook:

Outlook applies filters to split down the data you want to export, which allows for Selective OST Data Export.

Steps to follow:

• Follow the same steps as above until you select another folder.

• Click on the filter option

• Choose the criteria of date range, sender's name, or keywords.

• Continue with export. 

Export the Selective OST Data- With a Verified Software

 When the manual method doesn't work or falls short, then it is required to use a professional tool like SysTools OST to PST Converter, which is the most secure and reliable option for Selective OST Data Export. This tool is also made for problems like when the OST files are large or damaged by the Exchange server/Outlook profiles.

Important Features of This Specialized Tool

• Exports only the selected folders

• Applies filters like Date-range export to target only the necessary data.

• Also supports exporting of data from damaged, corrupted, or unusable OST Files.

• Adapts OST to many file formats.

• Manages folder structure and data safety.

• Easy to use for both technical and non-technical users.

Steps to follow:

1. Install the software.

2. Select and add the file you want to export.

3. Preview the data in the mailbox with the tool.

4. Choose the required folder only and apply the filter for easy export.

5. Choose the file format for the output.

6. Complete the process by clicking the Export option.

Best Practices for Selective OST Data Export

• It always reviews critical folders before the export process.

• Applies filters to avoid exporting outdated data.

• It keeps copies of the backup of the exported PST file to avoid losing data.

Conclusion

Selective OST Data Export is essential for the user who wants to save their time, focus on other important things, and also keep their Outlook data in an organized manner. Built-in option of the export wizard gives some flexibilitywhile it cannot handle the situations of the damaged and corrupted OST File. To solve this problem, using a specialized tool can save time and data without the fear of data loss while exporting [process.