Many organizations experience this issue after migrating email systems. When you use Microsoft Outlook, all of your emails, contacts, and other mailbox data are saved in PST files. When you use Lotus Notes (and any other HCL mail systems), mailbox data is saved in NSF files. Unfortunately, PST and NSF files are not directly compatible with each other – in other words, you cannot open a PST file in Lotus Notes.
Why This Is a Challenge:
1. PST and NSF file formats are completely different file types that were developed for entirely different email platforms.
2. Lotus Notes does not have any built-in import feature for PST files.
3. It is possible to convert the PST files manually, but it is not easy, takes a long time and may be risky if you have significant data.
Manual Workaround:
If you would like to find a way to not use any software for now, the following is a basic way to do this:
• Install Both Email Clients:
Make certain both Outlook and Lotus Notes are installed on the same computer.
• Open the PST File in Microsoft Outlook:
In Outlook, select File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File
Load you Outlook PST file so that you are able to see your emails.
• Export the Emails – One at a Time:
Select the emails you want to move.
Then drag and drop the emails into a folder on your computer, saving them individually as .EML files (assuming you are a Windows user).
• Importing to Lotus Notes:
Open Lotus Notes and drag those EML files into your mailbox or folder.
The Disadvantages of doing it the Manual Way:
• Time-consuming if you have thousands of emails.
• Important information could be lost, including formatting, attachments, and calendar events.
• 1by1 contacts, along with other mailbox data have to be moved separately which can be tedious.
• Not feasible for organizations with multiple mailboxes.
The safest method is to use a reputable DataVare PST to NSF Converter. Different types of software are available to convert PST files quickly, including email, contacts, calendar, attachments, and other mailbox data into NSF format, without any technical issues.
• Convert complete PST files into NSF format in just a few clicks.
• Keep your emails, attachments, contacts, and calendars intact, organized, and safe.
• Can be used with all versions of Outlook and Lotus Notes.
• User-friendly for beginners as well as advanced users.
• Free demo is offered to try before you buy.