Conversion of the NSF files into PST requires when users look to switch from the Lotus Notes email client to Outlook. The process to import NSF to PST requires users to go through a long procedure, but it is not a difficult task. In this write-up, we will introduce some solutions to make file conversion easier.
Multiple organizations use Lotus Notes to provide their employees with a system to manage business communication. This email client has got so many advanced features, but irrespective of such features, many of their users wanted to make their way towards Outlook. One of the major contributions behind the migration is its user interface. The non-technical user faces issues while using it.
Conversely, Outlook has a better and easier user interface, making it the first choice for most individuals and organizations. So wholesome Outlook has become the most preferred email client for many users, and they are looking for a way to migrate into it from an email client such as HCL Notes. To make things easier for all, this blog will present well-known methods through which users can easily move their NSF files into PST.
Reasons to Import NSF files into Outlook PST file
There are a few reasons which support the stance to import NSF to PST, but we have listed only the most common ones for your reference:
- Migration from the existing email client to Outlook requires converting the data files as Outlook uses PST files to save its data. Lotus Notes users should convert NSF to PST files to make the migration successful.
- Users cannot operate multiple profiles in the Lotus Notes environment, which makes it impossible to access the information from two different accounts simultaneously. On the other hand, Outlook allows opening up multiple profiles at once.
- Several users will need help with issues while working with Lotus Notes, and any user has rarely reported difficulty using Outlook.
- At times Lotus Notes makes issues while synchronization data with the Domino Server, which causes multiple issues.
- Pricing is another important factor when deciding on an email client. Outlook comes with Office 365 and has better pricing than HCL Notes.
- Lotus Notes does not provide a facility to access the data offline. In contrast, due to the OST file, Outlook enables users to check data even when there is no internet connection.
They are enough reasons to explain to you what are the reasons behind the NSF to PST conversion, but now we will shift our focus towards some solution to make the conversion. However, we will first explain to you how you could manually import NSF to PST file. Afterwards, we’ll also brief you about the alternative approach to the manual solution.
Manual Approach to Convert NSF to PST file
Conversion Approach 1:
Using the transporter tool, users can move the IBM NSF files into Outlook PST files. You do not need to install the Lotus Notes application to import NSF to PST files. It is a non-paid tool that transfers the Lotus Notes data files into the Exchange Server.
Follow the procedure given to start importing the NSF files:
- Download the Transporter tool based on your Windows OS bit from the Microsoft Official website.
- Complete the procedure to install the tool into your system.
- After that open the tool and expand the Microsoft Transporter tool. After that, select the Transporter for Internet Mail option.
- You need to set the location using the browser to save the setup. Click next to move ahead.
- Now you need to create the new CSV file with the following elements:
- Source Identity: Lotus Notes email ID
- Source Server: Lotus Notes Server
- Source Login Id: Required username in order to connect to the server
- Source Password: Password
- Target Identity: Outlook Email Address
- Go back to the Transporter tool, and click on the Add mailboxes option.
- Navigate to the Migrate mailbox option from the homepage of the tool. Click on the migrate selected mailboxes.
- Thereafter, you must choose the POP option from the type of mailbox to copy option.
- You can also customize the migration by selecting the filter option, where it is easier to specify emails using the data range. Once done, start the migration by clicking on the Next button.
- Wait for the NSF to PST conversion process gets over, in the end, click on the Finish to end process.
After completing the process, you can find the Lotus Notes data in your Outlook.
Alternative Approach to Import NSF files into Outlook
Converting the NSF files into CSV and later importing the resultant CSV into Outlook is another manual method to import NSF to PST that users can look over. This method comprises of two-phase conversion, which we will explain to you separately. Now check out how you can do this task in a couple of steps:
Phase 1: Convert NSF files into CSV
- Open the Lotus Notes application and then navigate to the file option of it.
- Click on Export to start the procedure to export the NSF file into CSV.
- Now, choose the path for saving the resultant file and click on Next to continue.
- Select Comma Separated Value as file saving option; also, provide the file’s name. And then, hit on the Export button.
Phase: 2 Import CSV into Outlook
At this point, importing the CSV files, you will receive after completing phase1 of conversion into Outlook is required. We have mentioned how you can perform this task in the below section:
- Start the Outlook application and go to the left menu file tab.
- Choose Open & Export, and click on Import/Export from the available options.
- From the following wizard, choose Import from another program or file option. Click on next.
- Select the Comma Separated Value as a file type and hit on the next button.
- Now you can load the CSV file using the browse button, and after, click on next.
- After configuring the settings, click on the Ok button.
- Hold for some time the process will take time to complete the process. Once done, click on Finish.
These two methods explained to import NSF to PST come with several limitations and cause problems for the user who doesn’t understand the technicalities involved in the conversion procedure. So it’s good if you can also look for a better solution that will allow even a novice user to make conversion hassle-free.
Method to directly import NSF files into Outlook
We have studied about few methods which will allow you to make the conversion, but both methods to import NSF to PST are indirect methods. So you can focus on other products, such as third-party software, which eliminates the need for double conversion. One of the reliable and test utilities is Shoviv NSF to PST converter tool, which is also a better alternative to the manual methods.
This software allows the bulk conversion of the Lotus Notes database files and converts the complete data of the Lotus Notes without affecting the properties of the NSF items. Users can also take an overview of the added data under the software preview pane. Also, the user can apply the filter option on the NSF file and convert only the required data. The tool incremental export option is one of this software’s most advanced options, allowing to resume the interrupted conversion process. If you want to take a complete look over to its functionality, then using the software demo version is the better option.
Conclusion
HCL Notes and Outlook have been extensively used as email clients. At times when they look to import NSF to PST due to many reasons, which we have explained to you in the blog. So choosing a reliable solution makes sense if you don’t want to face difficulties while handling the conversion task. However, to ensure the working of the above-mentioned solution, you can experience the working of them by using the free demo version.