Free IBM Notes Conversion Methods to Export HCL Notes to PST

Users’ mailboxes are stored in a data file by your company’s email manager. The database file for Microsoft Outlook is PST/OST, while HCL Notes (formerly Lotus Notes) uses the NSF file to export HCL notes to PST. The Notes Storage Facility (NSF) contains mailbox features such as email, contacts, calendars, address books, journals, to-do lists, and so on. NSF files are also data files for the Domino Web Server, and you can access its files items in the NSF files if you create an account in the Domino Web Server.

Because of MS Outlook’s superior features and functionalities, the majority of users want to switch from IBM Notes to it. Here are some advantages of MS Outlook over IBM Notes that will entice you to use it. Many users skip the manual method as it looks tough so lots of users are satisfied with Tried and Trusted Tool NSF to PST converter.

Microsoft Outlook’s Advantages

• Outlook’s user interface is more interactive than IBM Notes’, and the features of Outlook are better organized.
• Multiple accounts can be stored and managed separately in Outlook.
• Unlike Notes, the Outlook application can provide offline access.
• Exchange, Microsoft 365, IMAP, POP, and other types of accounts are all supported by Outlook.
• Outlook’s cost-effectiveness (low maintenance costs) is the primary reason for users’ preference for it over IBM Notes.
• Outlook has a higher level of security than other Microsoft products. Because Outlook is included in the Microsoft Office 365 subscription, customers have access to ongoing technical support.
• Microsoft allows you to use the most recent version of Outlook at all times.
• For saving Outlook accounts data, there are two database file formats: OST and PST.
• The application that is simple to use and suitable for a wide range of users (technical or non-technical)
• The Outlook application is part of the Microsoft Office Suite, which includes a number of other programs.
• Data management and security are superior to that of other email client applications.
• It’s a lot easier to transfer data between accounts in Outlook.

All of MS Outlook’s advantages entice users to use it extensively. Users must export HCL notes to PST files because the Outlook application only supports the PST file format as a database. There is, however, no dedicated method for converting data files for free. However, you can export the data from IBM Notes to a CSV file and then import the CSV files into Outlook as a workaround. You can perform a simple conversion here, though it is not a secure method.

Export IBM Notes to a CSV file for External use.

Before exporting data from IBM Notes to a CSV file, make a backup of the account so you can access it again if the conversion fails.

• Start IBM Notes and select File from the File menu.
• Go to Lotus Notes Application after clicking Open.
• After you’ve opened the Application window, navigate to the NSF file that contains the mailbox information. Click Open after selecting the NSF file.
• After you’ve opened the NSF file, go back to the File menu and select File.
• Select the location where you want to save the CSV file by clicking Export. Choose Comma Separated Value type from the Save as a drop-down menu. Click the Export button.
• Choose from the CSV Export options, such as the amount of data to export, the export character set, and so on.
• Click OK to continue the saving process.
• Give the CSV file a name and then save it.

Using Outlook to import a CSV file

The second stage of the conversion process requires you to open Outlook and import the previously created CSV file. Here’s how it works:

• Start Outlook and select File from the File menu.
• Select Import/Export wizard from the drop-down menu.
• Select the Import option after opening the Import/Export wizard.
• Comma Separated Values are the best option.
• Navigate to the CSV file’s location and, while saving the file, select the option to replace duplicate items when importing.
• Select the PST folder into which you want to import the NSF file, and then proceed.
• Finish the import process by clicking Finish.
• Verify the presence of data items in the newly created folder in Outlook’s mailbox section.

Disadvantages of the Free Method

The above-mentioned free process to export HCL Notes to PST is straightforward, but it has a number of flaws that make it prone to errors.

• You won’t be able to filter the data, so you’ll have to convert everything, including files you don’t want to migrate.
• You must repeat the process for each account if you want to convert multiple accounts.
• This method is ineffective for converting large amounts of data that span multiple files and folders.
• If the data in the NSF file is corrupt, the entire Outlook environment may be corrupted.
• Complete NSF file email items, such as calendar entries, are not moved.
• There is a good chance that data will be lost during the process.
• Data conversion may be incomplete as a result of the process.
• Possibilities of process failure due to human error
• Can have a negative impact on the NSF data’s original structure and properties.
• The procedure is lengthy and complicated, and it is not suitable for inexperienced users.

Conclusion

Due to the disadvantages of free methods, they are not recommended for obtaining certain results or expecting process reliability.

Only a professional NSF to PST converter software that supports such conversion can make the conversion from NSF files to Outlook PST beneficial for a business. The benefit of using professional software is that your business data will be secure, and the conversion will go smoothly with no corruption or deletion.