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SysTools OST Converter Software Guide for Windows

Step by step guide to export OST files

Summary: SysTools OST Converter exports OST files to multiple formats in six screens. Follow the common steps first. Then select your format tab to see every screen for that output, from settings to the final result.

Prerequisites

  • No additional software installation required.
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STEP 1

Install and Launch the Software

Download, install and launch SysTools OST Converter. Select Files opens first, and the left panel lists six steps, which are Select Files, Export Filter, Export Options, Export Settings, Select Destination and Processing Export.

SysTools OST Converter home screen on the Select Files step

STEP 2

Activate the Product

Note: If you have purchased the activation license key, then only go ahead with the activation process otherwise you can continue with the demo version.

Click Activate in the top bar to open the Product Activation window. Select Online Activation if you have an internet connection or Offline Activation to use a key from Support. Enter your activation key and click Activate.

Product Activation window with the activation key field and Activate button

Product has been activated appears on screen. Click Close to return to the main screen.

Product has been activated message with the Close button highlighted

STEP 3

Select OST Files

Select File Mode to add individual OST files. Select Folder Mode to add a folder instead.

File Mode and Folder Mode buttons on the Add OST Files screen

Click Browse Files. You can also drag and drop files into the box.

Browse Files button highlighted on the Add OST Files screen

Select your OST files in the Windows dialog and click Open.

Windows file dialog with an OST file selected and the Open button highlighted

Your files appear in a list with their sizes. Use the search icon to find a file, Add More Files to include more or Remove All to clear the list.

List of added OST files with the search, Add More Files and Remove All options highlighted

Click Next to move to the Export Filter screen.

Next button highlighted below the list of added OST files

STEP 4

Set the Export Filter

Export Filter lists the OST categories you can export, which are Email, Calendar, Contact, Task, Notes and Journal. Select Apply Date Range Filter to export items from a set period. Ranges apply on Sent Date. Enter a Start Date and an End Date and click Add Range. Next stays off until you add a range.

Export Filter screen with the categories, Apply Date Range Filter selected and the start date, end date and calendar open

Your range appears in the table on the right. Use Remove or Remove All to delete ranges.

Added date range listed in the table with Remove and Remove All options

Click Next. If you do not need a date filter, leave the box unselected and click Next to export all items in your categories.

Next button highlighted on the Export Filter screen

STEP 5

Open the Export Options Screen

Export Options lists multiple formats, which are CSV, DOC, DOCX, EML, EMLX, HTML, ICS, JSON, MBOX, MHT, MSG (Outlook), PDF, PST (Outlook), RTF, TXT and VCF. Select a format chip to jump to it in the list, or type in Search export type. You can select more than one format.

Export Options screen with the format chips, the search box and the list of formats

Now select your format tab below. Every tab shows the screens for that format from Step 6 to Step 11.

Select Your Export Format for OST Files

Export Options lets you select one or more formats. Every tab below covers one format from Step 6 to Step 11.

Convert OST Files to CSV

STEP 6

Select CSV as the Export Format

Select CSV in the Export Options list. CSV saves your email items data in CSV files. Click Next.

Export Options screen with CSV selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure CSV Export Settings

Settings shows No additional settings required for this format for CSV. Click Next.

CSV export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Click Browse next to Select Destination Path to choose where converted files are saved. Keep enough free storage in that location.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for CSV

Select a folder in the dialog and click Select Folder. Naming options stay greyed out for CSV.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Click Start Export once the destination path is set.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for CSV

Export process completed successfully appears on screen. Click OK.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Export Progress shows Items Processed, OST Scanned and the OST Scan Summary for Mail, Contact, Calendar, Task, Note, Journal and Distribution List. Under Export Tasks, check Files Processed, Failed and Speed for CSV.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the CSV task

Click View Result to open the output folder.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Windows Explorer opens the SysTools OST Converter output folder. Open the CSV folder inside it.

Output folder with the CSV folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Open the folder to find ExportReport.csv and a folder that carries your OST file name.

Contents of the CSV output folder in Windows Explorer

Open ExportReport.csv to see the Source Path, the Destination Path, the Success Count and the Failed Count.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for CSV

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Click Logs in the top bar to open Application Logs. Click Save Logs to keep a copy.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Open the App Details tab for application and system details, including version, activation status and operating system.

App Details tab with application and system details

Select the three dot menu at the top right to open About, Support and Help.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to DOC

STEP 6

Select DOC as the Export Format

Choose DOC from the format list on Export Options. DOC creates editable Word document files. Click Next to continue.

Export Options screen with DOC selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure DOC Export Settings

DOC needs no setup, and the screen confirms it with No additional settings required for this format. Click Next.

DOC export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Select Browse beside Select Destination Path and choose a save location with enough free space. Select your save folder in the Windows dialog, then click Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Open Naming Convention for Email to name exported email files. Subject is the default, and the list adds From+To+CC and date based patterns. Only the email naming options are active for DOC.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Open Naming Convention Separator to choose the replacement for special characters in file names. Select Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Select Start Export to begin the DOC export.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for DOC

Click OK on the message that confirms the export.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Track Items Processed and Time consumed at the top. OST Scan Summary counts your items by type, and the DOC task reaches 100% with Completed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the DOC task

Select View Result to jump to your saved files.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Explorer shows your output location. Open DOC from the list.

Output folder with the DOC folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Inside, you see ExportReport.csv, LongFilePath.csv and a folder that matches your OST file.

Contents of the DOC output folder in Windows Explorer

ExportReport.csv lists the source and destination of your export, with a Success Count and a Failed Count column.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for DOC

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Application Logs opens from the Logs button. Save Logs stores a copy of the export log.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

App Details lists the application name, install path, version and activation status, with system details beside them.

App Details tab with application and system details

About, Support and Help sit under the three dot menu.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to DOCX

STEP 6

Select DOCX as the Export Format

Find DOCX in the list and select its checkbox. DOCX creates Word document files in the modern format. Then click Next.

Export Options screen with DOCX selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure DOCX Export Settings

DOCX has no options to set. Click Next to move on.

DOCX export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Use Browse at the end of the Select Destination Path bar to choose your output folder. Select a drive with enough space. After you highlight a folder, click Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Naming Convention for Email sets your file names. Choose Subject or a pattern that joins Subject, From, To and Date. Calendar naming stays greyed out for DOCX.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Naming Convention Separator decides what replaces special characters. Choose Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Press Start Export when your destination is ready.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for DOCX

Click OK once the success message shows.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Watch the progress bar and the OST Scan Summary while DOCX finishes. Export Tasks reports the Source Folder, the Files Processed total, the Failed total and Speed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the DOCX task

Use View Result to show your converted files in Windows Explorer.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Open the DOCX folder within the SysTools OST Converter folder in Explorer.

Output folder with the DOCX folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

ExportReport.csv and LongFilePath.csv sit beside the folder that holds your DOCX files.

Contents of the DOCX output folder in Windows Explorer

Check ExportReport.csv in Excel to compare Source Path with Destination Path, then review the counts.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for DOCX

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Select Logs for the Application Logs window, then Save Logs to store the file.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Select App Details to review the version, installation date, first activation date and disk space.

App Details tab with application and system details

Open the menu marked with three dots to reach Support, Help or About.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to EML

STEP 6

Select EML as the Export Format

Tick the EML checkbox on the Export Options screen. EML creates RFC 5322 email files. Click Next when you finish.

Export Options screen with EML selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure EML Export Settings

Leave EML on its defaults, because no additional settings are required. Click Next.

EML export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Click Browse in Select Destination Path to set where EML output goes. Mark your output folder, then confirm with Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Select a pattern in Naming Convention for Email to control how exported emails are named. EML uses the email naming boxes only.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Set the Naming Convention Separator to Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Start the EML export with Start Export in the lower right corner.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for EML

Your export ends with a success message. Click OK to close it.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Check OST Scanned and Items Scanned under the progress bar. OST Scan Summary shows how many items of every type your files hold, and the EML task card shows its Failed count and Speed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the EML task

Open your converted files with View Result.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Find the EML folder in your output location and open it.

Output folder with the EML folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

ExportReport.csv sits beside a folder titled with the name of your OST file.

Contents of the EML output folder in Windows Explorer

Excel opens ExportReport.csv with one row for your source folder and the exported total.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for EML

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Open Logs to review the export log, and save it with Save Logs.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Switch to App Details to see app information on the left and System Details on the right.

App Details tab with application and system details

Click the three dots in the upper corner for About, Support and Help.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to EMLX

STEP 6

Select EMLX as the Export Format

Click the EMLX chip, then confirm its checkbox is selected. EMLX creates Apple Mail compatible files. Move on with Next.

Export Options screen with EMLX selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure EMLX Export Settings

EMLX shows the same No additional settings required for this format message. Click Next.

EMLX export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Set your output location with Browse in the Select Destination Path section. Check that the drive has free space. Confirm your save location with Select Folder in the dialog box.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Use Naming Convention for Email to choose how email file names start. Subject, From+To+CC and date patterns are on the list. Only the email naming options are active for EMLX.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Special characters in file names change to the symbol you select under Naming Convention Separator. Your options are Underscore, Space and Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Click Start Export after you confirm the output path.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for EMLX

Close the success message with OK.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Review Items Processed first, then the OST Scan Summary and the EMLX task card. Completed confirms the finish at 100%.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the EMLX task

View Result opens the folder that holds your converted files.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Your destination now holds a SysTools OST Converter folder. Open the EMLX folder inside it.

Output folder with the EMLX folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Your EMLX files sit in a folder labeled with your source file name, next to ExportReport.csv.

Contents of the EMLX output folder in Windows Explorer

Use ExportReport.csv to confirm how many items exported and how many failed.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for EMLX

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Use Logs at the top to view Application Logs, then export the file with Save Logs.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Check App Details for the log file location, RAM size and storage of your system.

App Details tab with application and system details

Need more help? Click the vertical dots in the top right for Help, Support and About.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to HTML

STEP 6

Select HTML as the Export Format

Mark HTML in the list of export formats. HTML keeps images inline and saves attachments separately. Press Next at the bottom right.

Export Options screen with HTML selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure HTML Export Settings

HTML needs no additional settings. Click Next to continue.

HTML export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Find a folder for your HTML files with Browse. Your screen reminds you that the destination needs enough storage space.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for HTML

Open the folder you want, then finish with Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Set your email file names in the Naming Convention for Email list. It offers Subject, address based and date based patterns.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Under Naming Convention Separator, choose Underscore, Space or Hyphen for special characters.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

Open Naming Convention for Calendar to name exported calendar files. Choose Subject or a pattern built from Subject, Start Date and End Date.

Naming Convention for Calendar list with Subject and date based patterns

Open the separator list under calendar naming and select Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for calendar with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Begin the conversion with Start Export.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for HTML

When the export ends, the tool confirms it. Click OK.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Your HTML task card shows where the files came from, how many were processed, how many failed and the speed. Above it, OST Scan Summary breaks your items into seven types.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the HTML task

Your converted files appear in Explorer after you click View Result.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Look for HTML in the Explorer window and double click it.

Output folder with the HTML folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Inside, you see ExportReport.csv, LongFilePath.csv, a CDTPL folder and a folder for your OST file.

Contents of the HTML output folder in Windows Explorer

Your report names the source folder and the destination folder, then counts the successes and failures.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for HTML

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Your export log opens under Logs. Close returns you to the progress screen.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Your app version, installed file count and Windows details show under App Details.

App Details tab with application and system details

Support and Help links wait behind the menu icon in the corner, next to About.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to ICS

STEP 6

Select ICS as the Export Format

Select ICS in the Export Options list. ICS exports your calendar items as ICS files. Click Next.

Export Options screen with ICS selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure ICS Export Settings

Open the ICS options with Settings. Select the single ICS checkbox to export all Calendar items from every OST file into one ICS file. Under it, the Split after size (MB) field shows 1 by default. Click Next.

ICS export settings with the single ICS checkbox and the Split after size field

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Click Browse to set your save location under Select Destination Path. Only the calendar naming options are active for ICS.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for ICS

Select a folder in the dialog and click Select Folder. Folders from earlier exports also show in the dialog.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Open Naming Convention for Calendar to name exported calendar files. Choose Subject or a pattern built from Subject, Start Date and End Date.

Naming Convention for Calendar list with Subject and date based patterns

Open Naming Convention Separator to choose the symbol between name parts. Select Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for calendar with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Click Start Export once the destination path is set. Export process completed successfully appears on screen. Click OK.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Export Progress shows Items Processed, OST Scanned and the OST Scan Summary for Mail, Contact, Calendar, Task, Note, Journal and Distribution List. Under Export Tasks, check Files Processed, Failed and Speed for ICS.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the ICS task

Click View Result to open the output folder.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Windows Explorer opens the SysTools OST Converter output folder. Open the ICS folder inside it.

Output folder with the ICS folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Open the folder to find ExportReport.csv and a folder that carries your OST file name.

Contents of the ICS output folder in Windows Explorer

Open ExportReport.csv to see the Source Path, the Destination Path, the Success Count and the Failed Count.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for ICS

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Click Logs in the top bar to open Application Logs. Click Save Logs to keep a copy.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Open the App Details tab for application and system details, including version, activation status and operating system.

App Details tab with application and system details

Select the three dot menu at the top right to open About, Support and Help.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to JSON

STEP 6

Select JSON as the Export Format

Choose JSON from the format list on Export Options. JSON creates structured files with inline images and separate attachments. Click Next to continue.

Export Options screen with JSON selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure JSON Export Settings

Click Settings for the JSON options. Select the checkbox to create an OST specific folder with individual JSON files for every mailbox folder. Click Next.

JSON export settings with the option to create single JSON files for folders

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Select Browse beside Select Destination Path and choose a save location with enough free space.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for JSON

Select your save folder in the Windows dialog, then click Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Choose a pattern from Naming Convention for Email, which starts on Subject.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Open the separator list and select Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

Naming Convention for Calendar works the same way for calendar files, with patterns that use the Start Date and End Date.

Naming Convention for Calendar list with Subject and date based patterns

Calendar files share the separator choices of Underscore, Space and Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for calendar with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Select Start Export to begin the JSON export.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for JSON

Click OK on the message that confirms the export.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Track Items Processed and Time consumed at the top. OST Scan Summary counts your items by type, and the JSON task reaches 100% with Completed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the JSON task

Select View Result to jump to your saved files.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Explorer shows your output location. Open JSON from the list.

Output folder with the JSON folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

ExportReport.csv, LongFilePath.csv and the CDTPL folder sit beside the folder for your OST file.

Contents of the JSON output folder in Windows Explorer

ExportReport.csv lists the source and destination of your export, with a Success Count and a Failed Count column.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for JSON

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Application Logs opens from the Logs button. Save Logs stores a copy of the export log.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

App Details lists the application name, install path, version and activation status, with system details beside them.

App Details tab with application and system details

About, Support and Help sit under the three dot menu.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to MBOX

STEP 6

Select MBOX as the Export Format

Find MBOX in the list and select its checkbox. MBOX creates standard MBOX files from your emails. Then click Next.

Export Options screen with MBOX selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure MBOX Export Settings

Click Settings to open the MBOX options. Select the checkbox to export all messages from an OST file into one MBOX file. Click Next.

MBOX export settings with the option to create a single MBOX file

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Use Browse at the end of the Select Destination Path bar to choose your output folder. Select a drive with enough space.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for MBOX

After you highlight a folder, click Select Folder. Both naming boxes stay greyed out here.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Press Start Export when your destination is ready.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for MBOX

Click OK once the success message shows.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Watch the progress bar and the OST Scan Summary while MBOX finishes. Export Tasks reports the Source Folder, the Files Processed total, the Failed total and Speed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the MBOX task

Use View Result to show your converted files in Windows Explorer.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Open the MBOX folder within the SysTools OST Converter folder in Explorer.

Output folder with the MBOX folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

ExportReport.csv sits beside a folder titled with the name of your OST file.

Contents of the MBOX output folder in Windows Explorer

Check ExportReport.csv in Excel to compare Source Path with Destination Path, then review the counts.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for MBOX

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Select Logs for the Application Logs window, then Save Logs to store the file.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Select App Details to review the version, installation date, first activation date and disk space.

App Details tab with application and system details

Open the menu marked with three dots to reach Support, Help or About.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to MHT

STEP 6

Select MHT as the Export Format

Tick the MHT checkbox on the Export Options screen. MHT creates a single file with embedded HTML and images, while attachments save separately. Click Next when you finish.

Export Options screen with MHT selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure MHT Export Settings

Nothing to set for MHT. Click Next.

MHT export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Click Browse in Select Destination Path to set where MHT output goes.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for MHT

Mark your output folder, then confirm with Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Open Naming Convention for Email to name exported email files. Subject is the default, and the list adds From+To+CC and date based patterns.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Open Naming Convention Separator to choose the replacement for special characters in file names. Select Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

Choose a pattern in Naming Convention for Calendar to name your calendar files.

Naming Convention for Calendar list with Subject and date based patterns

Choose Underscore, Space or Hyphen as the calendar separator.

Naming Convention Separator list for calendar with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Start the MHT export with Start Export in the lower right corner.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for MHT

Your export ends with a success message. Click OK to close it.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Check OST Scanned and Items Scanned under the progress bar. OST Scan Summary shows how many items of every type your files hold, and the MHT task card shows its Failed count and Speed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the MHT task

Open your converted files with View Result.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Find the MHT folder in your output location and open it.

Output folder with the MHT folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Your MHT output lands in a folder that matches your OST file, next to CDTPL, ExportReport.csv and LongFilePath.csv.

Contents of the MHT output folder in Windows Explorer

Excel opens ExportReport.csv with one row for your source folder and the exported total.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for MHT

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Open Logs to review the export log, and save it with Save Logs.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Switch to App Details to see app information on the left and System Details on the right.

App Details tab with application and system details

Click the three dots in the upper corner for About, Support and Help.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to MSG (Outlook)

STEP 6

Select MSG (Outlook) as the Export Format

Click the MSG (Outlook) chip, then confirm its checkbox is selected. MSG (Outlook) creates MSG files that Microsoft Outlook opens. Move on with Next.

Export Options screen with MSG (Outlook) selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure MSG (Outlook) Export Settings

MSG (Outlook) asks for no setup on this screen. Click Next.

MSG (Outlook) export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Set your output location with Browse in the Select Destination Path section. Check that the drive has free space.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for MSG (Outlook)

Confirm your save location with Select Folder in the dialog box.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Naming Convention for Email sets your file names. Choose Subject or a pattern that joins Subject, From, To and Date.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Naming Convention Separator decides what replaces special characters. Choose Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

Calendar files use Naming Convention for Calendar. Subject and date based patterns are on the list.

Naming Convention for Calendar list with Subject and date based patterns

Set the calendar separator to Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for calendar with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Click Start Export after you confirm the output path.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for MSG (Outlook)

Close the success message with OK.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Review Items Processed first, then the OST Scan Summary and the MSG (Outlook) task card. Completed confirms the finish at 100%.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the MSG (Outlook) task

View Result opens the folder that holds your converted files.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Your destination now holds a SysTools OST Converter folder. Open the MSG folder inside it.

Output folder with the MSG (Outlook) folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Inside, you see ExportReport.csv, LongFilePath.csv, a CDTPL folder and a folder for your OST file.

Contents of the MSG (Outlook) output folder in Windows Explorer

Use ExportReport.csv to confirm how many items exported and how many failed.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for MSG (Outlook)

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Use Logs at the top to view Application Logs, then export the file with Save Logs.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Check App Details for the log file location, RAM size and storage of your system.

App Details tab with application and system details

Need more help? Click the vertical dots in the top right for Help, Support and About.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to PDF

STEP 6

Select PDF as the Export Format

Mark PDF in the list of export formats. PDF creates standard PDF files. Press Next at the bottom right.

Export Options screen with PDF selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure PDF Export Settings

Click Settings. PDF has five tabs, which are PDF options, Attachment, Page Layout, Font and Bates. PDF options holds the checkbox that saves one PDF per OST file and Include Internet Message Header.

PDF options tab with the single PDF checkbox and Include Internet Message Header

On the Attachment tab, open Attachment Settings and choose Attachment on pin, Append Attachment or Save Attachment.

Attachment on Pin: Allows users to include email attachments as attachment pins within the PDF. Users can access the attached files directly from the PDF.

Append Attachment: Converts email attachments into PDF format and appends them at the end of the corresponding email content in the exported PDF.

Save Attachment: Saves email attachments separately in their original file formats without converting them into PDF.

Attachment tab with the Attachment Settings list open

On the Page Layout tab, open Page Size and choose A4, A3 or Letter.

Page Layout tab with the Page Size list showing A4, A3 and Letter

Open Page Orientation and select Portrait or Landscape. You can also set the top, left, bottom and right margins.

Page Orientation list with Portrait and Landscape

Select Header/Footer, then type your Header text and Footer text.

Header/Footer selected with the Header text and Footer text fields

On the Font tab, choose Arial, Courier, Helvetica, Times, Times-Roman or Verdana. Then set the Font Size and a color with Choose color.

Font tab with the font list, Font Size and Choose color

Open the Bates tab for the Bates Number and Date Stamp options. For best results, keep your Bates Number within 40 characters.

Bates tab with Bates Number and Date Stamp options

Select Bates Number to number pages in a series. Add a prefix or suffix, set the start number and the number of digits, then choose a position. Bates series for file(s) continues the numbering across exported files.

Bates Number options with prefix, suffix, start number, digits and position

Select Date Stamp to add a date. Choose its position and a format like DD-MM-YYYY.

Date Stamp options with position and format

Click Next once your PDF options are set.

PDF settings with the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Find a folder for your PDF files with Browse. Your screen reminds you that the destination needs enough storage space.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for PDF

Open the folder you want, then finish with Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Select a pattern in Naming Convention for Email to control how exported emails are named.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Set the Naming Convention Separator to Underscore, Space or Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

Select how calendar file names start in Naming Convention for Calendar.

Naming Convention for Calendar list with Subject and date based patterns

Select a symbol for calendar file names, which are Underscore, Space and Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for calendar with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Begin the conversion with Start Export.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for PDF

When the export ends, the tool confirms it. Click OK.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Your PDF task card shows where the files came from, how many were processed, how many failed and the speed. Above it, OST Scan Summary breaks your items into seven types.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the PDF task

Your converted files appear in Explorer after you click View Result.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Look for PDF in the Explorer window and double click it.

Output folder with the PDF folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

ExportReport.csv, LongFilePath.csv and the CDTPL folder sit beside the folder for your OST file.

Contents of the PDF output folder in Windows Explorer

Your report names the source folder and the destination folder, then counts the successes and failures.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for PDF

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Your export log opens under Logs. Close returns you to the progress screen.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Your app version, installed file count and Windows details show under App Details.

App Details tab with application and system details

Support and Help links wait behind the menu icon in the corner, next to About.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to PST (Outlook)

STEP 6

Select PST (Outlook) as the Export Format

Select PST (Outlook) in the Export Options list. PST (Outlook) creates PST files with folder hierarchy support. Click Next.

Export Options screen with PST (Outlook) selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure PST (Outlook) Export Settings

Select Settings to see the PST options. Select Split PST to cut large output into parts, then set Split PST after and its Unit. 50 GB shows by default. Click Next.

PST export settings with the Split PST option, the split size and the unit

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Click Browse next to Select Destination Path to choose where converted files are saved. Keep enough free storage in that location.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for PST (Outlook)

Select a folder in the dialog and click Select Folder. Naming options stay greyed out for PST (Outlook).

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Click Start Export once the destination path is set.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for PST (Outlook)

Export process completed successfully appears on screen. Click OK.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Export Progress shows Items Processed, OST Scanned and the OST Scan Summary for Mail, Contact, Calendar, Task, Note, Journal and Distribution List. Under Export Tasks, check Files Processed, Failed and Speed for PST (Outlook).

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the PST (Outlook) task

Click View Result to open the output folder.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Windows Explorer opens the SysTools OST Converter output folder. Open the PST folder inside it.

Output folder with the PST (Outlook) folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Inside, you see one PST file made from your OST file and ExportReport.csv.

Contents of the PST (Outlook) output folder in Windows Explorer

Open ExportReport.csv to see the Source Path, the Destination Path, the Success Count and the Failed Count.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for PST (Outlook)

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Click Logs in the top bar to open Application Logs. Click Save Logs to keep a copy.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Open the App Details tab for application and system details, including version, activation status and operating system.

App Details tab with application and system details

Select the three dot menu at the top right to open About, Support and Help.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to RTF

STEP 6

Select RTF as the Export Format

Choose RTF from the format list on Export Options. RTF creates rich text document files. Click Next to continue.

Export Options screen with RTF selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure RTF Export Settings

RTF has no settings to change. Click Next when you finish.

RTF export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Select Browse beside Select Destination Path and choose a save location with enough free space. Select your save folder in the Windows dialog, then click Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Use Naming Convention for Email to choose how email file names start. Subject, From+To+CC and date patterns are on the list. Calendar naming stays greyed out for RTF.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Special characters in file names change to the symbol you select under Naming Convention Separator. Your options are Underscore, Space and Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Select Start Export to begin the RTF export.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for RTF

Click OK on the message that confirms the export.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Track Items Processed and Time consumed at the top. OST Scan Summary counts your items by type, and the RTF task reaches 100% with Completed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the RTF task

Select View Result to jump to your saved files.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Explorer shows your output location. Open RTF from the list.

Output folder with the RTF folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Your RTF output lands in a folder that matches your OST file, with ExportReport.csv and LongFilePath.csv beside it.

Contents of the RTF output folder in Windows Explorer

ExportReport.csv lists the source and destination of your export, with a Success Count and a Failed Count column.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for RTF

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Application Logs opens from the Logs button. Save Logs stores a copy of the export log.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

App Details lists the application name, install path, version and activation status, with system details beside them.

App Details tab with application and system details

About, Support and Help sit under the three dot menu.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to TXT

STEP 6

Select TXT as the Export Format

Find TXT in the list and select its checkbox. TXT creates text files with inline images, while attachments save separately. Then click Next.

Export Options screen with TXT selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure TXT Export Settings

TXT needs no extra settings. Click Next to move on.

TXT export settings screen with no additional settings and the Next button highlighted

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Use Browse at the end of the Select Destination Path bar to choose your output folder. Select a drive with enough space.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for TXT

After you highlight a folder, click Select Folder.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

Set your email file names in the Naming Convention for Email list. It offers Subject, address based and date based patterns.

Naming Convention for Email list with Subject, From+To+CC and date based patterns

Under Naming Convention Separator, choose Underscore, Space or Hyphen for special characters.

Naming Convention Separator list for email with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

Use the calendar naming list to join Subject with the Start Date or End Date.

Naming Convention for Calendar list with Subject and date based patterns

Calendar files use the same symbol list, with Underscore, Space and Hyphen.

Naming Convention Separator list for calendar with Underscore, Space and Hyphen

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Press Start Export when your destination is ready.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for TXT

Click OK once the success message shows.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Watch the progress bar and the OST Scan Summary while TXT finishes. Export Tasks reports the Source Folder, the Files Processed total, the Failed total and Speed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the TXT task

Use View Result to show your converted files in Windows Explorer.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Open the TXT folder within the SysTools OST Converter folder in Explorer.

Output folder with the TXT folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Your TXT output lands in a folder that matches your OST file, next to CDTPL, ExportReport.csv and LongFilePath.csv.

Contents of the TXT output folder in Windows Explorer

Check ExportReport.csv in Excel to compare Source Path with Destination Path, then review the counts.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for TXT

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Select Logs for the Application Logs window, then Save Logs to store the file.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Select App Details to review the version, installation date, first activation date and disk space.

App Details tab with application and system details

Open the menu marked with three dots to reach Support, Help or About.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

Convert OST Files to VCF

STEP 6

Select VCF as the Export Format

Tick the VCF checkbox on the Export Options screen. VCF exports your contacts and distribution lists. Click Next when you finish.

Export Options screen with VCF selected and the Next button highlighted

STEP 7

Configure VCF Export Settings

Click Settings to open the VCF options. Choose a VCF version from the list. 3.0 shows by default. Select Merge all contacts into a single VCF file to export all contacts from an OST file into one VCF file. Click Next.

VCF export settings with the VCF version list and the merge contacts option

STEP 8

Select the Destination

Click Browse in Select Destination Path to set where VCF output goes.

Select Destination screen with the destination path and Browse button highlighted for VCF

Mark your output folder, then confirm with Select Folder. Naming and separator options stay greyed out.

Select export destination dialog with the Select Folder button highlighted

STEP 9

Start the Export and Track Progress

Start the VCF export with Start Export in the lower right corner.

Start Export button highlighted on the Select Destination screen for VCF

Your export ends with a success message. Click OK to close it.

Export process completed successfully message with the OK button

Check OST Scanned and Items Scanned under the progress bar. OST Scan Summary shows how many items of every type your files hold, and the VCF task card shows its Failed count and Speed.

Export Progress screen with items processed, the OST Scan Summary and the VCF task

Open your converted files with View Result.

View Result button highlighted on the Export Progress screen

STEP 10

View the Converted Files

Find the VCF folder in your output location and open it.

Output folder with the VCF folder highlighted in Windows Explorer

Inside, you see ExportReport.csv, LongFilePath.csv, a CDTPL folder and a folder for your OST file.

Contents of the VCF output folder in Windows Explorer

Excel opens ExportReport.csv with one row for your source folder and the exported total.

ExportReport.csv open in Excel with source path, destination path and counts for VCF

STEP 11

Check Logs and App Details

Open Logs to review the export log, and save it with Save Logs.

Application Logs window with the Logs tab and Save Logs button

Switch to App Details to see app information on the left and System Details on the right.

App Details tab with application and system details

Click the three dots in the upper corner for About, Support and Help.

Three dot menu with About, Support and Help options

NOTE: If you still face any difficulties while understanding or using the tool, you can contact us on live chat. Our team will be there to assist you 24x7.

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