When we want to convert NSF files to Outlook PST format then it is a difficult task and there is a risk of data loss. There are many ways to convert NSF files to PST format which makes our work easy. Lotus Notes stores data in NSF file format and Outlook stores data in PST file format, this PST file is more flexible to save data in the local system and offline mode. In this blog, we discuss the reasons to convert NSF files to Outlook PST and try to find a reliable and easy way to convert NSF files to PST without losing data. We also suggest you use the best software Enstella NSF to PST Converter software to convert Lotus Notes to Outlook easily.
What are NSF and PST files?
NSF (Notes Storage Facility) to PST (Personal Storage Table) conversion is vital for users who want to convert their emails from Lotus Notes to Outlook. Notes NSF files are used by the IBM Lotus Notes application, now maintained by HCL, to store emails, contacts, and other such data. Outlook uses PST files, which are more efficient than NSF files. Outlook offers a more flexible, user-friendly interface than Lotus Notes, and Outlook PST format is also helpful for offline use, which is why users want to migrate NSF data to PST files.
Reasons to Convert NSF to PST File Format
There are many relatable reasons why users want to convert NSF files into PST file format.
- MS Outlook is less costly than Lotus Notes.
- PST (Outlook) file format provides more comfort than Lotus Notes.
- Outlook gives users multiple email management options.
- Outlook offers better security features than IBM Lotus Notes, including password protection for files and enhanced security for your mailbox data.
- PST files are easy to transfer between different systems, making them more flexible.
- Outlook PST files are sharable through Pen drive, and network drives while Lotus Notes NSF files are system dependent.
- Outlook has a simpler and more user-friendly design than Lotus Notes.
These are some reasons to move NSF to PST file format. Now start discussing the method to complete this process.
How Do We Export NSF to PST Format?
This section of our blog will discuss different ways to convert NSF files to PST format. We will cover the manual method and professional tool Enstella NSF to PST Converter. The manual method may be complicated for some users, which we will explain later. We will also introduce an automated NSF to PST Converter tool that makes the conversion process more straightforward. Let’s start with the manual method.
How to Convert NSF to PST Manually?
Here are 2 steps involved in converting NSF to PST manually. Follow these steps with us.
Step 1: Export NSF Emails to a CSV File:
- Open IBM Lotus Notes and go to File > Open > Lotus Notes Application.
- Find and open the NSF file with the emails you want to export.
- Click on the File menu, select Save As, and choose the file name, location, and format.
- Select Comma Separated Values (CSV) as the format and adjust any settings if needed.
- Click OK to save the emails as a CSV file at the location you selected.
Step 2: Import the CSV File into a PST File:
- Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
- Go to the File menu and select Open & Export, then choose Import/Export.
- Select Import from another program or file and click Next.
- Choose Comma Separated Values (CSV) as the file type.
- Find and select the CSV file you saved earlier, and adjust the import settings if needed.
- Choose the Outlook folder where you want to save the data, then complete the import process.
These steps cover the complete method to convert NSF files to Outlook PST file format manually but there are some restrictions or drawbacks where the manual method gets stuck and users lose their important data.
Restrictions of using Manual Methods to export NSF to PST
- Manual conversion from NSF to PST is a complex process requiring advanced knowledge.
- Users need to understand both Lotus Notes and Outlook to perform NSF to PST conversion manually.
- There is a high risk of NSF database corruption.
- Through the manual process, there are no options to filter emails, split PST files, or export only required emails from NSF files.
- There is no guarantee of recovering all data without loss.
- You can only export one NSF file at a time.
- Doesn’t allow selective data export from NSF files.
- Converting NSF files to PST can be time-consuming, especially for large mailboxes.
To avoid these limitations, we suggest using a professional method. Let’s discuss this in detail.
Converting NSF Files to PST Using an Automated Tool
The Enstella Systems provides the most trustworthy and secure tool, the NSF to PST Converter tool, to export NSF files to PST file format without losing any data. It is also full of security. This software provides bulk and effortless conversion of NSF to PST and other file formats with complete email details. It can also remove duplicate mails that are present multiple times during the conversion. Now, let’s start discussing the steps to use this tool.
Steps to Convert NSF Files to Outlook PST using Enstella NSF Converter
A few minimal steps are required to completely convert NSF files to Outlook PST with Enstella automated software. Have a look at its working process below-
- Download and install Enstella NSF to PST Converter software, on your Windows computer, then open it.
- Click “Select NSF” button to browse and select the NSF file you want to convert.
- Single NSF file conversion: – If you have a single NSF file then, choose this option.
- Bulk NSF file conversion: – This option is suitable if you have multiple NSF database files and need to convert them in one go.
- The software will load and display all the contents of the NSF file. Preview emails, contacts, calendars, to-do, etc.
- Choose PST as the output format for conversion from NSF file.
- Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the converted PST file.
- Click the “Convert” button to start the NSF to PST conversion process.
- After the conversion is finished, the PST file will be saved to your chosen location and ready to import into Outlook.
Conclusion
Converting NSF files to PST format can be crucial for users looking to migrate from Lotus Notes to Outlook PST. While the manual method involves exporting NSF files to CSV and importing them into Outlook, it can be complex and prone to data loss. To overcome these limitations, a professional tool like Enstella NSF to PST Converter offers a more efficient and reliable solution. This tool simplifies the conversion process, supports bulk conversions, and ensures data integrity. For a smooth and hassle-free migration, the Enstella NSF to PST tool is recommended for easily converting NSF files to PST format.