How to Backup Outlook Contacts to External Hard Drive? – 2 Easy Ways
Summary: Learn different ways to backup Outlook contacts to external hard drive to migrate them to another device or save them from loss.
Since valuable data is mostly stored in digital devices, it can be vulnerable to unwanted threats. Thus, keeping a copy of the information can help prevent any major data loss. Many backup options are available today but the most convenient way is to backup Outlook contacts to external hard drive.
MS Outlook is a primary email application for many users and the contacts present in it become highly important. Hence, saving a copy is always preferred. When talking about backup planning, the users must follow the 3-2-1 backup rule. It implies that the user must keep 3 sets of copies of the data at all times. Each is on separate storage devices and one must be kept off-site.
Why You Must Backup Outlook Contacts to External Hard Drive?
- If you unintentionally delete your data
- If any ransomware attacks happen on your account
- During the downtime of the server, you can’t access your files. In such situations, having a backup becomes extremely important to not have any obstruction in your work.
- If someone hacks your data, you will not want to lose it forever.
Users prefer using external hard drives to store information outside of their computers. You can easily shift this piece of data to some other computer device. the primary feature of an External drive is to keep crucial data safe that can be retrieved in case the source device gets damaged.
How to Backup Outlook Contacts to External Hard Drive?
First, you need to export the Outlook contacts to either vCard format or a CSV file. As it takes a lot of time to do this manually, it is advisable to take the help of software. The Outlook to vCard export tool is an advanced utility, used by professionals. You can easily export numerous files at once with a few simple steps and transfer them directly into the external storage space.
On the other hand, if you try doing it manually, it will take you double the amount of time. Also, it requires you to export all of your contacts individually.
Why Choose Software?
- Save numerous contacts in a single attempt
- Backup even the deleted contacts
- Use the file on multiple platforms & email clients
- Save orphaned/ corrupted/ password-protected files
Users can choose the resultant file format out of the various options available. The options available are vCard, WAB, Google CSV, Yahoo CSV, and several more.
Step by Step Guide to Backup Outlook Contacts to External Hard Drive
1: Download and install the tool and load the PST files/folder in the software.
2: After the tool has scanned the files, it will provide you with a preview of the contacts file content.
3: After this, select the desired format you would like to backup your file in.
4: At last, provide a location on your computer system to save the file and hit the Export button. The process begins.
After having the backup in your computer system, you need to transfer it to the external drive. So start by plugging in your device to your computer. The system will detect that an external device has been connected to it and will prompt you by displaying its content. Now, simply copy and paste the files that you just created using the software.
Manually Backup Outlook Contacts to External Hard Drive
This process can be easily done manually as well. Follow the below-given steps to know-how:
- Launch Outlook and click on File. Then, choose Open & Export
- Now, select the Import/Export button>> Export to a File>> Next
- Choose the CSV file format>> Next and select the Contacts folder
- Save the file in a destination of your choice and map the custom fields
You have successfully created a CSV file that you can easily shift to your hard drive.
Conclusion
In this blog, we mentioned two different ways how to backup Outlook contacts to external hard drive. This task becomes much simpler with the use of software because of its concise working steps. You only need to go through a few steps to get the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with this application, users can backup all of their contacts at once and move them into the storage device of their choice.
Yes, when the software will backup Outlook contacts, all details will be reserved such as first name, last name, phone number, email ID, address, etc.
