How to Open NSF File in Outlook | A Quick Guide

Why Open Lotus Notes NSF File in Outlook?

NSF is a popular file format for Lotus Notes. However, with time, its popularity decreased, and users shifted to other advanced email clients. One such platform is MS Outlook, and the benefits of converting Lotus Notes to Outlook are:

• Outlook has a user-friendly GUI and is a cost-effective email client with regular updates.
• Handle multiple email accounts together and store data locally with easy access.
• Work online or offline with NSF files after the conversion and even seamlessly access them on the Exchange server.
• Integrates with other MS Office utilities and has no additional costs or requirements.
• The Lotus Notes server is often down and requires more RAM to store large NSF mailboxes as compared to Outlook.

Effective Techniques to Open NSF File in Outlook

When a user wants to switch email clients, the file format difference is the biggest challenge encountered. To swiftly perform the conversion, a manual method and a professional tool are elaborated here. Go through the methods below to ensure data integrity and compatibility during migration.

Manual Method to Import NSF to Outlook

The process of NSF to PST conversion manually involves two steps: converting NSF to CSV and then CSV to PST. It includes the use of IBM or HCL Lotus Notes and MS Outlook applications. Ensure that these applications are installed and running on your system before you follow these steps:

1. Start Lotus Notes on the PC and move to the File tab.
2. Select the NSF mail from the list and click the Export option.
3. Then, choose the CSV (Comma Separated Value) format and a location.
4. Further, enter a name for the CSV file and hit Export to convert NSF to CSV.
5. A screen will appear to opt for the needed options. Select them and press OK.
6. Afterward, start Outlook to proceed and open the NSF file in Outlook.
7. There, from File, click on Open & Export and start the Import/Export wizard.
8. Later, in the list, press on the option Import from another program or file. Hit Next.
9. Choose the CSV format and click on Next to select the NSF (now CSV) file.
10. Press Browse to add the CSV and hit Next to opt for a saving destination.
11. After that, check the box for Import and Map Custom Fields (optional).
12. Finally, press Finish to access the CSV file as PST within the Outlook application.

By following the steps given above, manually view NSF in Outlook. But here’s the deviation. The manual method has some loopholes that you must know about to avoid the consequences.

What are the Shortcomings of the Manual Method?

Despite being free, this method involves complex steps and has other cons, such as:

• Transfer only the emails and contacts from NSF files and not the entire data.
• Formatting can be lost, and even errors may occur, resulting in loss.
• Tedious procedure that requires multiple applications and takes time.
• Also, it converts only specific parts of NSF and is unsuitable for bulk conversions.

Automated Approach to Open NSF File in Outlook

While the manual method is full of loopholes, there is an expert solution like SysInfo NSF to PST Converter for ease. This excellent software enables users to convert NSF files to Outlook PST format without compromising data integrity and structure. Additionally, it provides an overview (preview) of the data in the NSF before conversion. Moreover, it supports bulk conversion and runs smoothly on all Windows OS. Besides that, it has advanced features like:

• Change the NSF file into other formats besides PST and export to Office 365.
• Requires IBM Lotus Notes to perform the smooth and secure conversion.
• Converts all data in the NSF file and has options to remove duplicates and more.

Working Procedure to Open Lotus Notes NSF File in Outlook

1. Download and run the NSF to Outlook PST Converter on the PC.
2. Press the Add File button and choose the NSF file. Click Open to add.
3. Further, check those files in the Preview Panel and select the folders. Press Next.
4. Choose PST as the saving option from the left options and pick the filters.
5. Afterward, press Destination Path and select a folder location to save.
6. At last, click Convert to change NSF to PST in a single go.

Conclusion

To sum up, this blog focuses on the need to open an NSF file in Outlook and the procedures to do so. There are two solutions given here, i.e., a manual and a professional tool. However, the freeway is complex and can be risky, as it has no guarantee of accurate results. Besides, the professional tool is highly secure, fast, and has a minimum steps for conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.