Conversion from IBM Notes to MS Outlook is one of the common ongoing processes these days among individuals and organizations across the globe. Sometimes, unexpected requirements occur when one needs to use a NSF file in Outlook due to professional needs. However, it is not possible because Outlook only allows PST files to be opened and viewed. Thus, to read and access an NSF file in the Microsoft Outlook email client, one needs to do an NSF to PST conversion. Let us understand more about the conversion needs of Lotus Notes to Outlook.
Why convert Lotus Notes to Microsoft Outlook?
The main reason behind the conversion of NSF to PST is the susceptibility of the NSF file to corruption. Lotus Notes NSF files are corrupted due to many reasons, such as file header corruption, virus attack, sudden system shutdown/power failure, and more.
- If a user tries to extract data from a corrupted NSF file, then he/she need to face some error messages listed below:
- Not able to open Name and Address Book (-names.nsf), due to “File does not exist” error. One cannot use locations until the issue has been fixed.
- Current ID does not specify an “internet certificate for signing”.
- Lotus Notes accessibility issue: “database not opened yet”.
- The process of data migration is becoming a common trend due to changes in business requirements, data management issues, and cost-effectiveness. Some basic reasons behind the migration process are mentioned below:
- Outlook delivers the facility to access the application offline with offline folders.
- It includes better security features to manage and secure data than Lotus Notes.
- Outlook provides a user-friendly GUI, whereas IBM Notes is complex to operate.
- Outlook needs less maintenance cost compared to Lotus Notes.
- Sharing of data in Outlook is easier than in Lotus Notes.
Solution Discussed of How do I Convert Lotus Notes to Outlook
In order to utilize NSF data in Outlook, it is necessary to convert NSF to PST using a manual method, i.e., Import/Export or third-party NSF Converter. Let us first perform the process manually and then discuss the steps of the direct solution.
Method 1. Manual Method using Import/Export
The process involves two steps to implement the process of NSF file to PST conversion:
Export NSF File from Lotus Notes
Import the Resultant File in Microsoft Outlook
Step 1. Export NSF File from Lotus Notes
- Run the Lotus Notes email client on the system.
- Open the desired NSF file to export.
- Click File, hit the Export option.
- From the Export Wizard window, choose a location to save the resultant file and select CSV (Comma Separated Value) in the Save as type.
- When the dialogue box appears, set the desired option and press OK.
- Enter a new name to save the exported NSF Lotus Notes file and click Export.
By implementing the steps, the file was successfully moved to the desired location. Now, perform the steps to import the same into Outlook.
Step 2. Import the Resultant file into Microsoft Outlook
- Run the Outlook email app.
- Click File and choose the Import option.
- From the Import and Export Wizard, select Import from another program or file and press Next.
- Choose the Comma-Comma-Separated Values (Windows) option.
- Browse the exported NSF file location and select Replace duplicates with items imported.
- Choose the folder to import data and hit Next to start the import process.
- After the process finishes, click the Finish button to exit.
The procedure helps to import an exported NSF file into MS Outlook. You can easily access Lotus Notes data in MS Outlook.
The manual method is executable, but it has some drawbacks and limitations. At first, the process is lengthy and can confuse non-professional users. Second, data loss risk is involved during the process. Third, it is a time-consuming process, as it allows exporting a single file at a time.
Manual process is not capable of migrating an NSF file with corruption issues to Outlook. However, fixup-f, compact -i-c-d-k, and updall –R commands to fix corrupt Lotus Notes NSF files or NSF error messages, but they are not able to repair damaged/inaccessible NSF files in all types of cases.
If the manual procedure fails in delivering the desired output, then in that situation direct NSF to PST Converter available that prove helpful to carry out the process of “how do I convert Lotus Notes to Outlook?”
Method 2. NSF to PST Converter
NSF to PST Converter is a reliable and cost-effective way to convert unlimited NSF files at one time into multiple desktop file types and cloud accounts. The application includes an easy-to-understand environment with friendly operational clicks so that any technical and professional user can use the tool for direct conversion of NSF files to PST. The NSF to PST Tool delivers a number of benefits, such as batch conversion, support for corrupted NSF files, split PST, selective conversion, and more. To know about software processing and associated features in detail, follow the steps mentioned below:
Download and access NSF to PST Converter on Windows OS.
Click Select File(s), load the NSF file/folder by choosing the Select Files/Select Folders button.
Software starts scanning the NSF file and displays related items in the left pane.
Click on the required folder to view the data of the desired file before starting the export process.
Now, go to the Export button and choose PST from the saving file type list.
Set the given options, i.e., PST Split, Filters, Destination Path, Create Separate PST File per NSF Folder, etc.
Once done, press the Export button to start the conversion. The process will be completed with a message “Conversion Done Successfully”.
With the help of the above steps, a user can directly convert NSF to PST without facing file size limitations. Even the email file properties and folder structure remain accurate during the process. To know more about the entire software processing, download the free demo version of the software that allows you to convert the first 20 files per NSF folder free of cost. By using the freeware edition, one can come across software functionality and features associated with the tool
