How to Read Old Lotus Notes NSF Files in Outlook?

Lotus Notes is IBM introduced email client application. It uses NSF i.e. Notes Storage File format to keep its entire database such as emails, calendar, instant messaging, application development, meetings etc. Whereas Microsoft Outlook is popular and globally used email application that supports PST file type for data storage. Both email programs are in use across countries. However, due to complex architecture of Lotus Notes, number of users are having trouble and searching a solution for “how to read old Lotus Notes NSF files in Outlook?” Moreover, they are finding an approach that not only performs the email conversion but also has a capability to move contacts and calendar from Notes mailbox into MS Outlook. The transferring of files from one format to another means the conversion of NSF to PST. Many users will find the process complex or tedious to implement. But, no worries, the article is here to fix the user query as shown:

Hey! I am having few old NSF files in my system. Earlier, I was making use of IBM Notes for sending/receiving the data and now I am using Outlook for the same. The main issue I am facing is how I will read those file data in my Outlook account. Because, whenever I am trying to open it I am getting an error message. Please help and provide reliable NSF to PST Converter!

Reasons of Lotus Notes NSF to PST Migration

There are many reasons responsible for migrating Lotus Notes NSF mailbox files into PST. Some are as discussed:

• Interface: The Lotus Notes environment is complex, whereas the working interface of Outlook is easy. 
• Maintenance Expense: The purchasing as well as maintenance cost of Microsoft Outlook is less as compared to IBM Notes. Few inbuilt tools are present that can help in repairing corrupt PST files in Outlook.
• Access by Smart Devices: The Outlook emails are accessible in smart devices such as tabs, mobile phones etc. However, Lotus Notes is a desktop-supported email client, which means that a user can access Lotus Notes only on desktop machines. Outlook is installable on any device, which means that Lotus Notes emails can be read in Outlook on any platform. 
• Technical Assistance: Lotus Notes has complicated functions; thus users find it difficult to work. And, Outlook is an application that does not require any technical assistance. 
• Multiple Account Accessibility: Lotus Notes allows to access single account at a time, whereas in Outlook, a user can use multiple accounts in a single time. 

How to Read Old Lotus Notes NSF Files in Outlook?

When user thinks of migrating database such as emails, contacts and calendar from Lotus Notes to Outlook manually, then it will be completed in two steps:

• Saving NSF file data in CSV
• Importing CSV into MS Outlook

Step 1. Saving NSF file data in CSV

Run Lotus Notes in the system.

Click Mail >> Navigate to File option and hit Export.

Export Wizard will appear >> Select File Format to export.

Now, select option i.e. Tabular Text/Structured Text (both supported by Outlook).

Click Continue to start export process.

Press Export to end wizard and all files will moved to destination location.

Now, convert NSF to CSV by choosing Comma Separated Value option and continue to next step.

Step 2. Import CSV file in MS Outlook

Run MS Outlook in the system.

Click File >> Select Import & Export.

Import & Export Wizard window appear, choose Import from another program or file and then press Next.

Select format to read old NSF file in Outlook. Either choose CSV i.e. Comma Separated Value (Windows) or Tab-Separated-Values (Windows).

Hit Next. 

Choose & browse file been exported from Lotus Notes email client. Then, press Finish.

Now, Lotus Notes emails moved to MS Outlook. 

Recommended Third Party NSF to PST Converter 

If a user wants to avoid above tedious task, then he/she can make use of NSF Converter. It is an advance application to convert unlimited NSF files from Notes to Outlook at once. This can help in reading old Lotus Notes NSF files in Outlook. Any individual and organization can use the software and perform the desired task in few seconds. Moreover, the application will maintain data integrity and folder structure throughout the process. The conversion utility will help users in executing the process in an effective and convenient way. The software possessed with number of benefits that can be applied accordingly to get desired output such as PST Split, Filters, Email Address Translation and more. 

A user can download free demo of the tool that allows to understand and analyse the entire software procedure as well as features. Moreover, the freeware edition allows to move first 20 files from each folder of NSF to PST free of cost.