Softaken OST File Exporter Review: Features, Pros & Cons

Softaken OST File Exporter — Complete Guide to Export OST to PST, EML & More

What it is

Softaken OST File Exporter is a Windows utility that converts Microsoft Outlook OST (Offline Storage Table) files into several portable formats (PST, EML, EMLX, MSG, MBOX, HTML/MHTML, PDF, TGZ) and exports contacts (VCF/CSV) and calendars (ICS). It’s designed to work without an active Exchange profile or Outlook installation.

Key features

• Multiple output formats: PST, EML, EMLX, MSG, MBOX, VCF, ICS, HTML, PDF, TGZ, Office 365/IMAP upload
• Batch processing: Add multiple OST files or a folder of OSTs for bulk conversion
• Preview: Browse emails, attachments, contacts, calendars before exporting
• Selective export & filters: Date range, From/To/Subject filters and folder-level selection
• Large file & encrypted OST support: Handles large OSTs and password-protected files
• Folder structure preservation: Keeps original mailbox hierarchy and metadata
• Address book & calendar export: Contacts to VCF/CSV/MSG; calendars to ICS/MSG
• Split PST option: Create smaller PST files during export (if required)
• No Outlook dependency: Converts without Outlook installed
• Demo/trial limits: Preview and limited-item export (trial commonly limits 10–25 items per folder)

System requirements & licensing (typical)

• Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 (⁄₆₄-bit)
• Minimal RAM ~512 MB–4 GB recommended for large files
• Disk space: OST size + buffer for output
• One‑time license (example pricing listed publicly: around $49 for a personal license); free trial available with item limits

When to use it

• Recover mailbox data from orphaned or inaccessible OST files
• Create PST backups from Exchange/Outlook cached copies when Exchange access is unavailable
• Migrate mailboxes to other clients or formats (Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Gmail via MBOX/IMAP)
• Extract contacts, calendars, or attachments separately

Basic export workflow

1. Install and launch the Softaken OST File Exporter.
2. Choose File Mode (single OST) or Folder Mode (batch).
3. Add OST file(s) and let the tool scan and show a preview.
4. Select folders/items to export and apply filters (date, sender, subject).
5. Choose the target format (PST, EML, MBOX, etc.) and set output location.
6. Configure options (split PST, save attachments, contact/calendar formats).
7. Click Export / Convert Now and wait for completion; check log/report.

Pros and cons (summary)

• Pros: Wide format support, batch conversion, no Outlook dependency, preview and filters, handles encrypted/large OSTs.
• Cons: Third‑party paid tool (trial limits), quality/support vary by vendor, always verify converted data before deletion of originals.

Tips & best practices

• Run the trial first to verify output quality and item limits.
• Keep a backup of original OST files before conversion.
• Use filters to reduce output size and speed up conversion.
• Verify folder structure and message counts after conversion.
• If migrating to Office 365 or IMAP, test with a small mailbox first.

Where to get it / resources

• Official Softaken product page and blog provide download, user manual, and trial. (Softaken site lists features, screenshots, trial limits and purchase options.)

If you want, I can produce a step‑by‑step screenshot walkthrough tailored to exporting OST → PST or a short comparison table with alternative OST converters.