How to Convert NSF to PST Files Manually? Complete Guide

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On April 15th, 2025

Reading Time 8 Min Read

Do you also have Lotus Notes NSF file which you want to convert into PST format without Lotus Notes? If it’s right, then welcome to this blog to convert NSF to PST without Lotus Notes with complete data. Here we will try to provide all the information like the difference between both files, reasons, whether it is possible to convert NSF to PST without Lotus Notes installation, and if it is possible then how, the drawbacks everything. You have to do just one thing, read the complete article.

As we all know Lotus Notes uses NSF format to store their complete data and Outlook uses PST format to manage data including emails, contacts, calendars, notes, journals, etc. Due to the high maintenance cost and technical interface in Lotus Notes, users choose Outlook as their email client.

And migrating NSF file data to PST format is not an easy task. So, don’t worry here we have explained all the methods, but before starting the process, let us consider a scenario when Lotus Notes switched hands from IBM to HCL:

“I used the IBM Notes, e-mail client, to manage my e-mail, contacts, and calendars. Unfortunately, this year we received a notification from IBM that it will no longer support the Notes client and Domino server. The Notes e-mail client will be operated by HCL Corporation.

The real problem begins at this point. I haven’t received updates since their end. Although I was looking for HCL Notes test settings, I didn’t get it. Right now, I have decided to switch from Lotus Notes to Outlook.

When I checked the source data format for the Lotus Notes client, it was saved in the * .nsf file format. But I can only import PST files into Outlook. So, I am now looking for a way to convert NSF files to PST. Can somebody recommend a feasible solution?”

Why Do Users Want NSF to PST Conversion Process?

IBM Notes has a technical interface, which makes it hard to use for non-technical users. So, they choose to convert NSF to PST without Lotus Notes.
Many companies want to switch to Microsoft Outlook to get access to multiple advanced applications on one platform.
Also, Lotus Notes is high maintenance which is costly for multiple businesses, and Outlook can be maintained at a low cost.

Understanding the File Formats – NSF vs PST

NSF File: It stands for Notes Storage Facility used by IBM Notes to store data like emails, contacts, calendars, notes, etc.

PST File: It stands for Portable Storage Table, which is popular among users and produced by Microsoft Outlook in all versions. And it contains similar types of data.

Can Users Convert NSF to PST without Lotus Notes?

No, users can not migrate NSF files to PST format without Lotus Notes installation. It’s a major barrier that Lotus Notes must be installed and connected within the machine to open and convert NSF files to any saving format. Without IBM Notes:

NSF file can’t be accessible.
No direct or free viewer can access the data of the NSF file.
NSF file doesn’t work without Lotus Notes environment.

Why No Paid NSF to PST Converter Tool Can Convert Files without Notes?

Many users believe that paid solutions can convert NSF to PST without Lotus Notes installation. But it’s not possible due to the encryption policies and architecture of Lotus Notes NSF files:

NSF files are integrated with the Lotus Notes environment, which requires installation.
Paid tools depend on the Notes’ DLLs and configuration to open and read the content of NSF files.
Even the top-tier paid solutions can’t convert NSF to PST without Lotus Notes installation.

So, it is recommended to install and connect the Lotus Notes within the machine. And follow the given methods for the NSF to PST conversion process.

How to Convert NSF to PST in Bulk Manually?

A user can export Notes NSF to PST format with the built-in capabilities of Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook. Just follow the below-given steps:

Step 1: Export NSF Files to CSV

Open Lotus Notes mail client.
Click on the “File” >> “Export” option.
Give a name to save the file.
Select the “Comma Separated Value” option.
Set up all the options according to your needs.
You will get CSV files at your desired output file-saving location.

Step 2: Import CSV to Outlook

Open Outlook to convert NSF to PST.
Choose “File” >> “Open & Export”.
Select the “Import/Export” option.
Choose the “Import from Another Program or File” option.
Select the “Comma Separated Values” option & click on the “Next” button.
Select the “CSV file” you obtained from the Lotus Notes.
Your CSV mailbox items will get imported into Outlook.

Why Manual Conversion for Free is A Bad Idea?

The biggest problem with converting NSF files to PST manually is that all your data may not be converted correctly. It is a very difficult task, so non-technical boys are advised to do so at their own risk.
During the free manual process, the user will only migrate NSF emails and contact entries to the PST. No calendar items will be migrated from Lotus Notes to Outlook mail client.
The whole convert NSF to PST process is very tedious, boring, and time-consuming. Only Notes view data is exported. The user must have both the IBM Notes e-mail client and Outlook installed on their computer.
We recommend executing the manual method on a small database to understand its limitations. If it’s working for you then you can apply it to your entire NSF database. If it’s not, then opt for the professional NSF to PST converter software.

Expert NSF to PST Converter Tool for Professional Users

There is a plethora of NSF to PST conversion tools available if you search. However, finding the one solution perfect to convert NSF to PST is not that easy. Well, here is one of the highly recommended RecoveryTools NSF File Converter Software, a premium application designed exclusively to solve the problem of converting NSF to PST format.

Also, it can convert emails into Exchange and other saving formats. Free Download NSF to PST converter the trial edition of this software from below:

The application performs the whole NSF to PST conversion process in a very simplified way. A wizard-like task layout allows users to export data step by step. Follow these steps to learn how to export an NSF file to a .pst without a Lotus Notes mail client.

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How Does NSF to PST Conversion Software Work to Convert Files?

Download and install the Lotus Notes File Converter on your machine and open it.
Add the NSF file data using the provided options: “Add Files” and “Add Folders”.
All the folders and subfolders will appear on the panel and check the required data.
Click on the “Convert” icon choose “PST” as a saving option and browse the location using the “Browse” button.
Click on the “Next” button to start the NSF to PST conversion process.
Lastly, a confirmation message pop-up will appear on the screen, and click on the “OK” button to convert NSF to PST.
A saving report will open automatically, which contains complete details about the process.

Why Only RecoveryTools NSF to PST Converter Tool?

With this software, you can easily convert NSF to PST. It also supports batch conversion of multiple NSF files without any hassle. The user can also migrate NSF to PST selectively only using filters. Some of the main features of the application are listed below:

Batch NSF to PST Conversion: This software has the power to migrate multiple NSF files to PST format in bulk at the same time without losing any information and having no file size limitations.
Convert NSF File to PST with All Data: This NSF to PST converter software can migrate complete data of Lotus Notes including emails, contacts, calendars, notes, journals, etc. Even it can extract emails from all default folders including Inbox, Sent, Draft, Spam, Bin, and other created labels & folders.
Advanced Settings: It comes with multiple advanced settings which help to convert selective emails from NSF files to PST format by using Date Range, To, From, Subjec,t etc. Also, the NSF to PST converter tool can remove unwanted folders from the output files.
Maintains the Original Data and Structure: The software is famous for converting NSF to PST format by maintaining the original components and folder hierarchy, making it the first choice of all users.
Compatible Output PST File: This amazing RecoveryTools NSF to PST converter tool provides UNICODE PST files which can be opened in all Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and older versions.
Preview All Folders Data: Also, it’s a two-in-one solution, which means it can preview and convert your data. So, you can analyze your emails and attachments before starting the NSF to PST conversion process.

Summing Up

Here we have explained the methods to convert NSF to PST without Lotus Notes installation. We have tried to provide all related information about Lotus Notes NSF to PST conversion. This blog covers complete data including emails, contacts, calendars, notes, journals, and other data as well as using both manual and professional solutions.

Both Manual and paid solution doesn’t work without Lotus Notes installation due to some reasons. So, choose the method which suits your needs best. To resolve your all queries, we are here for you 24*7 hours.