PST (Email Archive) Files

SigParser can process PST files which are generated by Outlook. These files are often used because email servers can't hold an unlimited number of emails so people have to periodically purge emails from their server. Instead of losing those emails forever, instead users can copy them to a local file called a PST file.

SigParser is able to extract contact details from these files.

Uploading a PST File

To upload a PST file

1. Click Settings in the menu main top bar menu
2. Click "Data Sources"
3. Find the PST data source box and click "Add"
4. Select a PST file to upload.
5. Choose how to pay. Either wait for a cost estimate or just approve whatever the cost is.
   • If you want to wait for a cost estimate, SigParser will analyze your PST email and then email you an estimate. It normally takes 5 minutes to generate an estimate.
   • You have 15 days to purchase the PST file processing or we'll delete it from our servers.
6. Wait for the estimate to arrive or if you selected auto purchase then just wait for the final email to arrive that processing is complete.

We estimate it takes around 2 hours for every 10,000 emails.

Purchasing PST files

1. Login
2. Click "Settings" on the main menu
3. Click "Data Sources"
4. Click "PST Files" in the list of the data sources.
5. Find the PST file you uploaded with a ready estimate and click it.
6. Click "Buy Now"

Filter for contacts in the PST

You can use the "Mailboxes" column to find contacts. Just search for the name of the PST file.

Naming PST files

I'd suggest giving your PST files distinctive names as the PST file name is what will appear in the "Mailboxes" column when searching for contacts.

Good Example: John-2019-Q1.pst

Bad Name: MyEmails.pst

FAQ

What if my file is password protected?

That's fine. We are still able to open the file. PST file password protection isn't very good. It's mainly Outlook that can't open the files.

How is the PST estimate generated?

We analyze all the emails in the PST quickly to determine the age of every email. Older emails are cheaper than newer emails.

Why are old emails cheaper than newer emails?

As time goes by, contacts might leave their company or titles and phone numbers change. So old data just isn't as valuable as newer data.

How large can the PST file be?

We suggest not uploading a PST file larger than 50GB. We might not be able to process a file that large.

My PST job is stuck in the "Queued" state?

Contact us with the chat. We might need to restart it for you.

How long do you keep my file?

We keep the PST files you upload for 30 days. They'll be automatically deleted whether you purchase a PST extract or not.

My PST file estimate disappeared?

You have 15 days to purchase the PST file you upload. If you don't, we'll delete it.

You might notice we keep the file for 30 days but you only have 15 days to purchase. This is so if you purchase on day 15 and the file is massive we have 15 days to process it before it is deleted.