Table of Contents

Introduction

This ultimate guide is dedicated to how to convert NSF to PST files effectively. As we know, NSF (Notes Storage Facility) files were introduced by IBM and are now managed by HCL, and PST (Personal Storage Table) files are designed by Microsoft. Both email systems are very popular and provide maximum security and functionality for managing emails, contacts, calendars, and other data. So, it is important to understand these file formats and know how to convert NSF to PST files with a step-by-step approach.

Why would you need to convert NSF to PST? There are many reasons, like switching from Lotus Notes to Outlook or combining mailbox data into another usable format. Learning how to do this conversion is important, and that’s where eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter comes in. This tool makes the conversion process easy, even for users without having technical knowledge. Whether converting one file or many, the eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter ensures accuracy and efficiency.

Follow this complete guide to learn every step of the conversion process, including both manual methods and professional NSF to PST Converter Software.

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Understanding NSF and PST File Formats

  • What Are NSF Files? IBM / HCL Lotus Notes Client uses NSF files to store data. These data include emails, contacts, calendar entries, tasks, etc.
  • Where Are They Used? NSF files are mainly used with the IBM Lotus Notes email application. Many businesses, from small companies to large enterprises, use Lotus Notes to manage emails and other important data.
  • Pros and Cons: NSF files offer strong security and great collaboration tools, making them ideal for large organizations. However, using Lotus Notes can be complex and requires some expertise. On the other hand, Outlook PST files are much easier to use and manage, even for beginners.

What are PST files?

  • What Are PST Files? PST (Personal Storage Table) files are used by Microsoft Outlook to store copies of emails, calendar events, contacts, tasks, and other personal data in one place.
  • Where Are They Used? PST files are part of the Microsoft Office suite and are used by Outlook to organize and store user data.
  • Pros and Cons: PST files are easy to back up and can be transferred between locations using a pen drive. However, if not properly managed, they can become too large, which may cause performance issues or even data corruption.

Reasons to Migrate Lotus Notes NSF files

  • Switch from Lotus Notes to Outlook- Switching from Lotus Notes to Outlook can be driven by several factors, including cost, ease of use, technical challenges, the need for specialized knowledge, and sometimes data security concerns. Microsoft Outlook is a better option for any organization to avail it because it is less expensive than Lotus Notes, offers a more user-friendly environment, and provides multiple layers of security.
  • Cost Saving– Lotus Notes can be more expensive for organizations to maintain their license cost and specialized support, whereas MS Outlook is less expensive and easy to manage life-long.
  • Integration and Accessibility: Integrating Lotus Notes is a complex process that requires technical assistance. In contrast, setting up Outlook is simpler and needs fewer clicks, with no specialized support required. Also, MS Outlook easily integrates with various Microsoft services like Outlook 365, SharePoint, etc.
  • Compatibility: MS Outlook provides maximum compatibility scope with external systems and third-party applications, which makes it easier to connect with Outlook and exchange data between them, whereas Lotus Notes has tricky options to do it.

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Multiple Challenges Come in Lotus Notes NSF File Conversion

When converting NSF to PST, several challenges may arise, including:

  • Complex process to convert NSF files to PST
  • Risk of data loss
  • Highly risk of NSF database file corruption
  • Time-consuming process
  • Requires extensive knowledge

Best-Suited Methods to Convert Lotus Notes to Outlook PST Files

Here, we describe two methods best suited for easier conversion from Lotus Notes to Outlook. The first method involves a manual process, while the second uses professional NSF to PST Converter software.

  • Manual Method: The manual method requires you to use both Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook to export data from an NSF file and import it into an Outlook PST file. This process can be effective and reliable if you have sufficient knowledge of both Lotus Notes and Outlook. However, without this expertise, the process can be time-consuming and may lead to data loss.
  • Using eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter: On the other hand, using the eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter is a quicker and safer option. It’s perfect if you’re not tech-savvy, as the software handles NSF to PST conversion for you. It ensures 100% accuracy, so nothing gets lost in the process.

Method 1) Manual Steps to Convert Lotus Notes NSF to Outlook PST

In the manual method, there are several steps involved which are mentioned below. Follow these steps one by one and achieve the NSF file conversion.

Export NSF Files to CSV Format:

  1. Open IBM Lotus Notes on your desktop and go to the “File” menu.
  2. Select “Export” to open the export wizard.
  3. Choose the desired location to save the file and select “Comma Separated Value” (CSV) as the file type.
  4. Select the items (emails, contacts, calendar, etc.) you want to export, and then click on “Export.”
  5. Configure and check any additional settings, then complete the export process. This will create a CSV file with your NSF data.

Import the CSV File into Outlook:

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook and go to “File” then go to “Open & Export” then “Import/Export.”
  2. Select “Import from another program or file” and choose “Comma Separated Values” as your file type.
  3. Load to the CSV file you exported from Lotus Notes.
  4. Now click “Next.”
  5. Select the Outlook folder where you want to import your data (e.g., Inbox, Contacts).
  6. Click “Finish” to complete the import process.

Verify the Data in Outlook:

  • After completing the import, check the folders in Outlook to ensure you have transferred all data correctly.

Method 2) Expert Suggested Software to Convert NSF to PST file

If you’re looking for an easier solution, the eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter Software is a great choice. It makes converting NSF files to PST much simpler and ensures you won’t lose any data in the NSF file conversion. This tool is very handy if you’re not very tech-savvy but still want to make sure the NSF to PST Conversion is done correctly.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Export NSF File to PST Files

Step 1) Download eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter Software from the below link-

https://www.esofttools.com/download/esofttools-df-nsftopst.exe

Install the software on a Windows computer and open the first screen of the software.

convert nsf to pst file

Step 2) Click on the “Select NSF” button from the toolbar or from the “File” Menu.

nsf to pst converter

Choose the NSF file selection mode: If you want to convert a single NSF file, then click on the radio button “Single NSF File Conversion”. If you have multiple NSF files and want to convert them in a single attempt, choose the “Bulk NSF File Conversion” option and click on the NEXT button.

Step 3) Now, the software loads the NSF file and displays all the folders with their respective emails and other items. Kindly check the preview of NSF data as shown below screenshot.

nsf file preview

Step 4) After verifying the preview of the NSF mailbox, click on the “Convert” button to move on to the conversion wizard as shown below screenshot.

converting nsf to pst file

Step 5) Select the option “PST file” from the list of conversion options. Apply Filter Emails, If you want to filter emails from specific dates.

Click on the “Browse” button and provide the file-saving location where the software generates the output PST file from NSF.

After that click on the “Convert” button to start the conversion process.

convert nsf to pst

Once the software completes the conversion, a confirmation dialog will appear on your screen, like the screenshot below.

conversion completed successfully

Benefits of Using eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter Software

eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter Software offers a comprehensive and reliable solution for both businesses and individuals. Here are the key benefits:

  1. All-in-One Tool: eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter Software is an all-in-one tool packed with lots of features and conversion capabilities. The software can easily convert NSF emails, contacts, calendars, notes, tasks, and journal items to PST files.
  2. Offers Multiple Conversion Formats: This software not only convert NSF file to PST but also offers multiple conversion formats such as NSF to EML, MSG, EMLX, NSF to MBOX, Thunderbird, HTML, MHTML, ICS, VCF, and etc.
  3. Import NSF to Cloud: Using the software, users can easily import Lotus Notes to Gmail, Import Lotus Notes to Office365, YahooMail, and IMAP server accounts.
  4. Batch Conversion: The software supports batch conversion which allows users to convert multiple NSF files to PST at the same time. This feature is especially useful for large-scale migrations, as it significantly reduces the time needed to complete the process.
  5. Selective Conversion Facility: Users can apply advanced filters to convert only specific items from NSF files. For example, you can filter by date range, folders, or data types (such as emails only), making the conversion process more efficient and tailored to your needs.
  6. Data Preview Feature: The software includes a preview feature that lets users view the contents of NSF files within the software before starting the conversion. This ensures accuracy and helps avoid transferring unnecessary data.
  7. Preserves Original Structure: The software keeps the original structure and formatting of emails and other data intact during the conversion process. This means all the folder hierarchies, email metadata, and attachments are preserved as they were to ensure the correct conversion.
  8. Error-Free Conversion: The software ensures users convert NSF files to PST without any error and makes a 100% reliable NSF conversion rate. 
  9. 24/7 Customer Support:  eSoftTools offers round-the-clock customer support to assist with any issues or questions that arise during the conversion process.

Explore the Demo Version of eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter Software

Before going with the paid version, you can try the demo version of eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter Software. The trial edition of the software allows to save 25 items from every folder from NSF file to PST. This gives you a clear idea of how the software works and helps you understand its features and benefits

The demo version software is a fully functional tool and restricts only email export and other items to 25. The demo version tool gives users comfort and confidence in easily exporting Lotus notes to Outlook PST and other formats.

Conclusion

Converting NSF to PST files is critical for individuals and corporate users. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, having the right tools and guidance makes the NSF file conversion easier. In the above article, we describe the simplest and most reliable way to convert NSF to PST files. The User can avail manual method or go through an automated converter tool named “eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter”. 

eSoftTools NSF to PST Converter Software is a top tool for those seeking a reliable solution to simplify the Lotus Notes NSF file conversion. Users can migrate large-scale NSF mailboxes or single mailbox conversions simultaneously with the software.

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