How to Import Lotus Notes to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010?

In this article, we are going to discuss the solution of how can a user import Lotus Notes to Outlook. Importing data items from one email client to another is a difficult task due to a lack of effective methods. In fact, in most of the scenarios, users need to face a lot of difficulties and other issues.

In this case, Lotus Notes, which went on to become IBM Notes and now is called HCL Notes, uses an NSF file to store its data. It has the functionality to export its data items in NSF file format.

Microsoft Outlook, on the other hand, stores data primarily in OST and PST files. When a user is trying to import data into Outlook, then it is only possible using the PST file format.

A lot of users are finding a way to convert Lotus Notes to Outlook account. If you are also one of those, then read this article till the end.

Note: Lotus Notes, IBM Notes, and HCL Notes are one and the same. It is just that Lotus Notes was rebranded as IBM Notes when IBM acquired the client-server email application in 1995. Going forward to 2019, HCL acquired IBM Notes and rebranded it as HCL Notes. So, do not confuse yourself with the names. Focus on the application versions.

Free Manual Method to Import Lotus Notes to Outlook

The free manual method uses CSV format to convert Lotus Notes to Outlook. But keep in mind that it only deals with email messages. Other mailbox items like contacts and calendars are to be migrated from IBM Notes to Outlook separately.

Step 1: Convert Lotus Notes to Outlook as CSV

To export Lotus Notes to CSV file, follow these steps to import Lotus Notes to Outlook:

1. Run the Lotus Notes application.
2. Create a view that displays all the fields as you want them.
3. Click on the File menu bar.
4. Select Export.
5. In the window, choose Comma Separated Value (Structured data) in the Save as type.
6. Choose other desired options and click the OK button to export the data.
7. If the exported file has no extension, rename and add a .csv extension to the file.

Step 2: Import CSV File into MS Outlook

To import Lotus Notes mailbox emails to Outlook, follow these steps:

1. Launch the MS Outlook application.
2. Click on the File menu bar.
3. Select Open & Export | Import/Export.

   

4. Choose Import from another program or file and click Next.

   

5. Choose Comma Separated Values and click Next.

   

6. Select the Browse button and add the Lotus Notes CSV file in the window that appears.

   

7. Select the Outlook folder in which the Lotus Notes data will reside.
8. Proceed and click the Finish button to end the process.

Any Problems One Might Face?

• This export step may fail if any of the text fields contain a comma or a tab. So, keep clean data there.
• CSV is meant to store contacts, structures, and tabular data like an address book. It is not meant for storing emails in Outlook. So, the import step MIGHT result in incomplete/different email properties.
• It is only helpful for small-scale migration. The sheer amount of work when dealing with a large database is too much to handle.

So, make sure to use this method for importing a small database from IBM Lotus Notes to Outlook as a trial. Go with bulk transfer only if you find the result satisfying.

Steps to Convert Lotus Notes to Outlook

• Step 1: Run the tool and add the data.
• Step 2: Choose the data and hit Convert.
• Step 3: Select PST as the saving type.
• Step 4: Browse the path as per choice.
• Step 5: Lastly, hit on the Convert button.

How to Import Lotus Notes to Outlook Account? Complete Guide

1. Download and run the Lotus Notes to Outlook converter on your system.

   

2. Upload the NSF files and folders using the Add Files and Add Folders option.

   

3. All the data will appear on the screen and check the required folders and subfolders from the panel.

   

4. Click on the Convert button and select the PST option from the Select Saving Option.

   

5. Enable the Advanced settings option for selective Lotus Notes to Outlook conversion.

   

6. Browse the destination path to save resultant data using the Browse button.

   

7. Lastly, click on the Convert button to import Lotus Notes to Outlook account.

   

8. After the confirmation message, click on the OK button to start the Lotus Notes to Outlook conversion.

   

Import Resultant PST File into MS Outlook

1. In Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.

   

2. In the window that appears, select Import from another program or file, then click Next.

   

3. Thereafter, select the Outlook data file (.pst) option, then click Next.

   

4. In the Import Outlook data file window, browse and select the PST file obtained.

   

5. In the window that appears, select the Outlook folder to convert Lotus Notes to Outlook and click the Finish button.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Ques 1: How do I Export Lotus Notes to CSV?
  1. Open your Lotus Notes account.
  2. Click on the File tab >> Export option.
  3. Choose Comma Separated Value (CSV).
  4. Lastly, click on the Save icon.
• Ques 2: Which is better Lotus Notes or Outlook?

  Ans: Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes are both programs that help people work together on projects. Using Lotus Notes may need some basic training and tech knowledge. But Outlook has a nicer and easier-to-use design compared to HCL Notes, which used to be called IBM Lotus Notes.

• Ques 3: Is this a Lotus Notes to Outlook converter tool that can migrate complete data from the NSF file?

  Ans: Yes, this Lotus Notes to Outlook migration tool allow users to convert complete data from NSF file including emails, contacts, calendar, notes, journals, etc.

Final Thoughts

After reading the article, it is convenient to say that a user can easily import Lotus Notes to Outlook without any issues. Regardless of the reasons that led to organizations switching to Microsoft, file migration is an inevitable task. Thankfully, by migrating the file into PST, the users can easily convert Lotus Notes to Outlook along with emails, contacts, and calendars, as required.