Summary: This post will provide information about the manual method that helps you convert your Lotus Notes database files into Outlook. You will also learn about the reasons to convert NSF to PST and one reliable way to overcome the limitations possessed by the manual conversion solution.

Lotus Notes was one of the most sought email clients in the previous decade, but slowly and gradually, it tends to lose its shine. There are various factors behind which are behind the conversion. Similarly, on other hand, Outlook, which Microsoft launches, is a new rising star. It offers an easier user interface which creates easiness for even the non-technical user to utilize its every functionality easily.

We have highlighted the native solution to make the conversion, along with the quickest method to convert the complete data of the NSF files into PST.

Explore why users tend to switch towards Outlook from HCL Notes

HCL Notes and Microsoft Outlook is the top email client, making it easier for users to send and receive emails. Notes Storage Facility (NSF) is used by Lotus Notes to save its complete data, whereas Outlook uses the PST file format to store its data. However, there are situations when HCL Notes users look to change their email client. We have mentioned some of the probable reasons behind the purpose of migration.

• Outlook offers a better experience to users in terms of utilizing each function efficiently. In comparison, Lotus Notes GUI is hard to understand, making it difficult for users to use it.
• Lotus Notes NSF files cannot be protected through a password, but users can make their PST file password protected. 
• At one time, Outlook users can operate multiple profiles simultaneously, which is totally reversed in the case of Lotus Notes.
• Users cannot access the data stored in the NSF files in the offline mode, but through OST file Outlook, users can check their data even without internet connectivity. 
• Non-technical user finds difficulties while operating the Lotus Notes as it is not that user friendly as compare to the MS Outlook.

All such factors are important when deciding the requirement for the new email client. Once you know that you need to change your email client to Outlook, the next thing required is the NSF to PST conversion through the available method. Users can check out the conversion method in the below section of the blog.

Method to Transfer complete NSF file data into Outlook PST

Migration method comprises two solutions, manual processes, and the third-party converter. If we look at the manual conversion solution to convert NSF to PST, it consists of two phases which include exporting the NSF files into CSV and then importing CSV into Outlook. To provide clarity among users, we have discussed both methods. 

First Phase of the Manual method to convert NSF files into PST

1. You should open the Lotus Notes application to start the process of exporting the NSF files.
2. Once done with opening the HCL Notes open the Lotus Notes database and select the required NSF files that you wish to export.
3. Now, go to the file tab and choose the Export option.
4. Next, you need to select the required number of NSF file folders. Once done, click on Next.
5. Choose Comma Separated Value from the Save as file type option in order to export all Lotus Notes databases into them. Click the Ok button to move further.

After performing this task, your NSF files will be converted into CSV files. Follow the steps given follow to import the resultant CSV file into Outlook. 

• Open Microsoft Outlook and then go to its file tab.
• Select the Open /Export option and then choose Import.
• Next, Choose Import from another program or file option from the Import/Export wizard.
• Afterward, select the CSV option from the file saving option and press the Next button.
• Now you need to browse the CSV file saved on your computer and choose the folder you want to export.
• In the end, hit the Finish button to close down the conversion process.

By performing this method, users will get the all data shifted from Lotus Notes into their Outlook account. But, generally, this procedure to convert NSF to PST required much time and technical expertise. However, other better alternatives on the market will make it easier to transfer the data into Outlook completely. Let’s now check out that way which is way easier and also maintains the data integrity while converting the files.

Professional third-party Software to Convert NSF to PST

We know how users can manually convert their NSF files into Outlook-supported PST files. The manual method to convert NSF to PST comes with many challenges for most users, whereas third-party software eliminates such risk. Users may also need help choosing reliable software from the pool of available tools. No worries, we have one solution that IT experts test: Shoviv NSF to PST converter tool. This software provides an intuitive user interface that comes in handy while utilizing its features.

The tools perform exceptionally well under the most challenging scenarios, like converting multiple large-sized NSF files. In addition, its incremental export option also plays its role which resumes any halted process without including the duplicate items. It got so many advanced features that will help to perform the NSF to PST conversion effectively. Using its preview pane, the user can easily view the total added item.

Also, the software filter option has a few criteria based on which users can add and remove the required item from the NSF files into the software. It is a valuable function that will allow restricting the size of the resultant PST file. It will works well with all the Domino Server, Windows OP. System and Outlook version.

Ending Remarks

Many users have raised their queries on the solution for accessing their Lotus Notes data in Outlook. This blog aims to clear the confusion from the users’ minds to convert NSF to PST by providing an adequate solution for them. A manual solution is totally free, but even a single mistake can cost you deeply. So it will be to take the help of the technical expert, or you can also look towards professional third-party NSF to PST converter software to make the conversion quicker and easier.