How to Open NSF File without Lotus Notes Application?
NSF is the database file format used by Lotus Notes, now known as HCL Notes, an email client still used by many users. It is not possible to open NSF files directly without Lotus Notes, but there is a way to help you view NSF file data. There is an automated way to easily open NSF files on different platforms.
Reasons to Open NSF File without Lotus Notes
Users also prefer or need to open NSF files without using the Lotus Notes application because they get orphaned NSF files from some source and move to a different client system environment, among other reasons:
- Due to higher installation and maintenance costs.
- Storing NSF mailboxes requires a lot of RAM.
- Due to poor server support.
- Note server is down or other related issues.
- There are currently no applications installed on the system.
- You received an orphaned NSF file from some external source and the Notes application is not installed.
- Market trends; change to other organizations, mergers/acquisitions, etc.
- Backup is slow due to segmented file structure and large database size.
Open NSF File without Lotus Notes Manually
Using this manual method to view NSF file data through a Lotus Notes application, the first requirement is to export the HCL Notes NSF file email to CSV file format and then open this CSV file with any compatible application.
Go to File >> Export >> Comma Separated Value >> Click on Export
Software Solution to Open Lotus Notes NSF File
The Lotus Notes Forensics is an automated solution that only requires a healthy NSF file to open in the software interface. It allows users to open NSF files and preview the full content in detail. Using this tool is very simple and generally requires no experience.
- Extract and Analyze Emails and Attachments from NSF File
- Automatically Locate and Scan Lotus Notes NSF Files from Hard Drive
- Forensic Analysis of Lotus Notes Emails to Examine Evidence using Various Preview Modes
- Various Search Types, Such as Generic Expressions, Can be used to Find Available Data
- The Recursive List Option Makes the Bulk Email Preview Show All Emails
This Tool can analyze and examine collections of NSF files. Separate collections of NSF files can be created to make forensic searches more organized. Deleted NSF messages and attachments played a critical role in the investigation. Use the recovery option in the tool to retrieve all deleted messages as proof.
Summing Up
NSF is the HCL Notes database file format; NSF-compliant applications are limited. If you want to open NSF files without Lotus Notes, the automated method is always recommended due to its simple and easy steps. The premium software mentioned in the blog has a trial version that also allows you to view NSF files for free.