Extract text from Cache and biometric files (NST)
To convert NST Cache files to another format, you need Microsoft Outlook or other Data software.
To convert other file formats to the "Biometric & Email Cache File" file type, you need software like Microsoft Outlook or a similar tool.
An .NST file represents a frustrating duality in file management: it is either a strictly regulated ANSI/NIST-ITL biometric data interchange file, or a proprietary Microsoft Outlook offline group storage cache.
In law enforcement and security, .NST files act as containers for forensic biometric information, including fingerprints, facial geometry, and iris patterns. These are typically viewed using specialized forensic software like NISTViewer or the NIST Biometric Image Software (NBIS). Conversely, in the corporate world, Outlook automatically generates an .NST file (often referred to as a Group Storage Table or GST) to cache Microsoft 365 Group conversations or to synchronize with IBM Lotus Notes.
A key limitation of .NST files is their proprietary "black box" nature. Biometric .NST files utilize specific binary image compression, such as Wavelet Scalar Quantization (WSQ), which cannot be parsed by standard image viewers or web browsers. Outlook .NST files are heavily encrypted and tied directly to the exact MAPI profile that generated them. If the server disconnects, the profile is removed, or the user leaves the organization, the file becomes permanently orphaned. You cannot simply drag and drop an orphaned .NST file back into Outlook.
To regain access to trapped group emails and calendars, the most realistic workaround is to convert the .NST file to a portable PST format for re-importing, or to EML and PDF for compliance and archiving. For biometric files, you must parse the binary structure to extract the embedded forensic data. Drop your file here to securely analyze and convert the embedded imagery into standard raster formats like JPG or PNG, making the visual data accessible without expensive forensic tools.
Use Convert.Guru to open and convert your NST file.
Users also converted OST, NIST, SNT, PDF, LUN, FDB, MDB, PST, EST, GMT and UTC files.
If you want to convert NST file to PST, OST, EST, GMT, UTC, MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC, OGG, WMA or M4A, you can use Microsoft Outlook or similar software from the "Biometrics & Email Group Storage" category. In the File menu, look for Save As… or Export….
To convert MIDI, AAC, TTA, AU, WV, DTS, MID, FLAC, RA, MP3, PCM or WAV files to NST, try Microsoft Outlook or another comparable tool in the "Biometrics & Email Group Storage" category.
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our NST converter.