BSAOpt

What BSAOpt is

BSAOpt is a free, open-source Windows utility for managing and recompressing BSA archives. It presents archive contents in a directory-like way, making individual files easier to address. Depending on the chosen input and output, it can copy, pack, unpack, or convert archives, and it can deduplicate files inside them. The product listing says compression can be roughly 5% better for files and 20% better for WAV files. BSA and ZIP are supported, with archive extraction and mod packaging also listed.

Its version history includes Morrowind support, Fallout compatibility, and Xbox-type archives. Version 1.6.3 added recognition for XWM, FUZ, OGG, GID, and PEX files. Other listed capabilities include optional log files and a dialog that can try to recover files from corrupt BSA headers. The application is partially multi-threaded. It supports 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista or later; users with UAC enabled need to run it as administrator. The repository names Ethatron as project owner and says BSAopt was forked from NIFopt. Its license is available under either the Mozilla Public License 1.1 or GNU Library GPL version 3. The listed version is 1.6.3, last updated 14 January 2013.

Who it suits

BSAOpt suits Windows users who need to inspect, convert, extract, or package BSA and ZIP archives, including archives associated with Morrowind, Fallout, or Xbox-type formats. It may also fit users who want deduplication, recompression, and optional logs in a free, open-source tool.

Getting started

1. Open the BSAOpt GitHub website.
2. Use a Windows Vista-or-later system, with either 32-bit or 64-bit Windows.
3. If UAC is enabled, run BSAOpt as administrator.
4. Choose an input and output to use Copy, Pack, Unpack, or Convert.

Verdict

Choose BSAOpt if you need a free Windows tool for BSA archive operations, deduplication, or mod packaging. Look elsewhere if you need a platform other than Windows or do not want to run it as administrator when UAC is enabled.