How to Export Lotus Notes Contacts to Outlook

If you have only few contacts in Lotus Notes mailbox, I’ll suggest you recreate them in Outlook because it will easier to recreate them rather than exporting them into certain file formats and import into Outlook profile. However, if you have the list of contacts, there is another quicker way to move them into Outlook.

Lotus Notes vs Outlook : Advantages and Limitations

Lotus Notes and MS Outlook are the two most widely used email applications. However, there are many users, who prefer using MS Outlook as compared to Lotus Notes. As a result, you can find more Outlook users as compared to Lotus Notes. MS Outlook is an email client from Microsoft, which aims at providing an effective and secured mailing platform. In addition, there are several other benefits of using MS Outlook as compared to Lotus Notes. Some of them are mentioned below.

Top Reasons to Migrate From IBM Lotus Notes to Exchange Server

IBM Lotus Notes/Domino and Microsoft Exchange Server are the two widely used email client-server platforms in the world. But from last few years, Lotus Notes users are migrating to Exchange Server very rapidly than ever. So, why is this happening and what are the reasons which causing Lotus Notes being out of context?

Lotus Notes 'file already Exists' Error? Repair Bookmark.nsf File

If you’re an admin/user of IBM Lotus Notes, you had surely faced file already exists error when launching Lotus Notes Client. But have you effectively encountered what is the root cause of this error message and how you can resolve this issue?

Here in the post I am sharing the main causes which prompts file already exists error in Lotus Notes and the solution to fix the problem.

Root causes of 'File Already Exists' Issue

The main cause is corrupt bookmark.nsf file. It is the most significant configuration files in Lotus Notes which frequently start working when you launch Lotus Notes application. But user cannot access the file because it is already corrupt. So Lotus Notes try to create a new bookmark.nsf file so that it can resolve the error itself. But again, the file is previously created in Lotus Notes, that’s why you get file already exists message on your screen.

Solution 

Here I am taking one scenario where a non-roaming user only uses the tiled workspace, and bookmark.nsf file has been deleted on his Lotus Notes client. In this case, Lotus Notes can create itself a new bookmark.nsf file with help of bookmark.ntf. But if the bookmark.nsf is corrupted, the only way to resolve it by rebuilding the new bookmark.nsf file.

So, below are the steps which can be followed to rebuild corrupt bookmark.nsf file-

·         Close Lotus Notes client and start Windows Explorer.

·         Locate the bookmark.nsf file and rename it to bookmark.oldk

Now just start Lotus Notes application and you’re done! The new bookmark.nsf file has been recreated, and now you can do the setting changes for 'homepage' to favorite values.

However, the above the solution resolves the issue for mostly cases but if you couldn’t resolve it by simply rebuilding the bookmark.nsf file, maybe the local perweb.nsf file is corrupt.

So, we’re the doing the same process (for recreating perweb.nsf) as we did above to rebuilt bookmark.nsf file.

Steps to repair Lotus Notes perweb.nsf by recreating it

·         Start Lotus Notes and set browser to Notes or Open Notes. Once you’ve all done, exit Lotus Notes.

·         Open Lotus Notes Data Directory and look for perweb.nsf file.

·         Once you find it, just rename the file and restart the Lotus Notes application.

·         Now open the browser which you had set in first step. By opening a web page, Lotus Notes will automatically recreate perweb.nsf file.

That’s it. By following the above solution you can fix Lotus Notes errors. But firstly, it is recommended to check which root cause is responsible for this error, either bookmark.nsf corruption or perweb.nsf corruption. Then only process the solution.

In the above scenario I’ve taken a non-roaming user, but what to do if that is a roaming user? In this scenario you will have to run few more steps to resolve this error.

Contact helpdesk or administrator and ask them to temporary disable roaming for your Lotus Notes account and all PCs where the application is installed. Once they’re done, you can follow the above procedure to resolve file already exists error.

But don’t forget to enable the roaming again, as it will be needed to recreated bookmark.nsf file.

Hope, the solution will resolve your Lotus Notes error issue.

Out of Office Not Working in IBM Lotus Notes- Fixed

Like other email client platforms, IBM Lotus Notes also brings OOO (Out of Office) features for Lotus Notes users. But sometime, due to certain unspecified causes Lotus Notes Out of Office function doesn’t work anymore. So today in this blog we’re going to outline this common Lotus Notes issue, and try to figure out the root causes and solution to fix Lotus Notes (8.5, 7x or later releases) Out of Office function not working issue.

When you encounter OOO feature is not working as expected even after the feature enabling by the user, you can check OOO information on Domino Server miscellaneous logs as below-

AMgr: Agent 'OutOfOffice|OutOfOffice' in 'Mail\userdb.nsf' does not have proper execution access, cannot be run b. Agent Manager: Error validating execution rights for agent 'OutOfOffice|OutOfOffice' in database 'Mail\userdb.nsf'. Agent signer 'User', effective user 'User2'. Users without rights to sign 'On Behalf' agents can only run agents on their own behalf.

Solution-

To fix the issue, open Lotus Notes Design Client and navigate through-

Lotus Notes Designer client: Look in Code > Agents > OutOfOffice

Check OOO is enabled or disabled. If it is disabled, enabled it and try again.

If it is already enabled, recreated agents by deleting OutOfOffice agent and refresh design of the database.

Now again enable OOO function. This fix works in mostly cases. However, if it doesn’t work for you; try the alternate fix.

Alternate Solution-

IBM provides a diagnostic and troubleshooting tool in case the Lotus Notes/Domino Out Of Office (OOO) does not work properly.

You just need to Download the OOO_Diagnostic_V2.1.zip troubleshooting tool and place it in local Notes\Data directory. Before running the setup, read the ‘about the software’ and guide for how to use this software.

Now you can follow the steps to copy Lotus Notes database to Data directory on Domino Server.

Now type the database name and path, or select the database (relates with Domino) which you want to analyze. For e.g. ‘mail\user.nsf’.

Now you will see the list of numerous tests, select the last test from the list ‘comprehensive test’.

## This tool support Notes/Domino 7x or later releases.

So, the issue also can be rectified by using OOO diagnostic tool. 

Thus, above are two best possible methods to fix Lotus Notes automatic replay issue. Try manual troubleshooting as well as diagnostic tool to resolve Lotus Notes/Domino OutOfOffice (OOO) problem.

How to recover-missing mailbox content while migrating from Lotus Notes to Office 365

There are lots of circumstances where organizations need to migrate from IBM Lotus Notes Server to Microsoft Office 365 dedicated. In doing so, a user may discover that some of the email messages, contacts, calendar items, tasks, or folders are found missing.

Migrating from Lotus Notes to Office 365

The number of migrations from Lotus Notes to Microsoft Office 365 is increasing very rapidly more than ever. The reason could be distinctive Lotus Domino management, lesser preference, or the popularity of cloud based Office 365. Thus that is why big to small organizations are shifting from Lotus Notes to cloud based Office 365. 

How to fix ‘File Does Not Exist’ error in Lotus Notes

IBM Lotus Notes is among the most preferred email client in today’s business world, but it doesn’t mean Lotus Notes is always error free and totally robust email platform. Sometime, due to random causes an IBM Lotus Notes user may come across a critical situation where he/she may get the following error code on their Lotus Notes screen:

Fix 'Maximum Request Length Exceeded' Error while Migrating Lotus Notes to Outlook

In today’s corporate world, every organization requires an ideal email client as an efficient communication medium. And Lotus Notes and MS Outlook are the two most important email clients that have the maximum influence. So if an organization is using Lotus Notes email client, and if they are required to migrate NSF files into PST file format, then situation becomes more difficult in this case during the migration of large sized NSF files to PST file format. 

Fix IBM Notes Issues with Professional Recovery Tool

Lotus Notes one of the highly preferred email clients in business organizations; works in collaboration of IBM Domino. The reason why IBM Notes is this much popular is “It is not only an email client but it also acts as a personal manager for users and facilitates features like IM, Address book, To-dos, journals and many others. In most of the organizations this email client is preferred over Outlook because of data security concerns. Unlike Outlook and Exchange Server, Notes keeps all the data at one centralized location i.e on Domino Server in a single format file.

Notes uses NSF file format to keep user’s data; the word NSF stands for “Notes Storage Facility”. Lotus Notes NSF file is responsible for keeping user’s mail data like emails, calendar, address book, attachments etc. Notes keep all the address book data in a file named Names.nsf. One of the major advantages of Notes is, to access its database; one doesn’t need to be at his workplace computer. One can easily access the Domino server data with the access of Internet from any location.

5 Common Lotus Notes Errors & Their Fixes

Lotus Notes is an email application that is intended to provide business network functionality and it includes features like instant messaging, contact management, receiving/sending emails, user directories, to-do lists, and calendars. Besides, this application also offers access and integration with IBM Domino application and database. Unfortunately, the database files of this application are likely to get corrupt, owing to several physical or logical errors. It is really very frustrating, especially when one receives the errors messages as it call to action to fix the error occurred with the application. Below is the list of top 5 common Lotus Notes errors and its solutions. 

IMG SRC - nsftopstconverter.stellarservertools.com/

How to Solve Lotus Notes Error 0x1A5

Lotus Notes was actually developed by Lotus Development Corporation in 1989. But in 1995 it was acquired by highly famous IT organization known as IBM. Like Outlook an email client application works with Exchange Server a server application, Lotus Notes also collaborated with Lotus Domino to complete client-server architecture. Similar to other emailing applications, Lotus Notes also performs various tasks like managing emails, contacts, tasks, calendars, ToDo lists and many vital business oriented process. IBM keep on striving upon adding more user-friendly and advance features which can enhance the performance and work flow of the organization using Notes. It can be observed with the every launch of version, Notes has delivered some extra features which attracts the user towards the favour of the application.

Common Lotus Notes Errors and Recovery Solutions

Lotus Notes is a well known emailing application, developed by IBM Corps. It is considered amongst top three emailing platform with Microsoft Outlook and Novell GroupWise. The first version of Notes application was launched in 1989 and the latest version launched is Notes 9.0. Throughout the development timeline of Lotus Notes, user experienced large number of modifications that made the accessing much simpler and reliable. However there are large numbers of error events available that bypass the technical efficiency and make the situation troublesome for the user. In this article we will focus upon few such events and their possible solutions. 

Domino Server 9.0 Social Edition – Features and Modifications Overview

In the article we will read latest modifications and features included in the latest version of Domino server. IBM’s Domino version 9.0 is the most trending application of these days with the tag #socialedition. We will also learn about new Domino Administrator functionalities that are compatible with IBM Notes upgrade. 

History Overview of IBM Lotus Notes Versions

When we talk about complex yet successful software then the only name we come across is Lotus Notes. The successful legacy of Notes involves a rich and interesting history. In this article we will come across various versions of Lotus Notes and understand about the technology up-gradation during these development phases. The early development of Lotus Notes even predates the development of personal computers. The first program was written in University of Illinois in Computer based Education Research Laboratory. The Lab released a product called PLATO Notes which has limited functionalities. The main purpose of PLATO Notes was to tag a bug report with the user’s ID and the date, also objective of Notes was to secure the file so that other user could not delete it. Later in 1976 Lab released PLATO Group Notes, which have almost the same concept of PLATO Notes.

However it allows user to create personal Notes files which are organized by the subject. It also allows user to create access lists, anonymous notes and director message flags. It also supports multiplayer games and can mark comments in a document. Because of the abovementioned features PLATO Notes became widely popular and sustained till 1980s. Soon after this, world acknowledged IBM PC and Microsoft MS-DOS, hence mainframe based PLATO became less in demand. In 1984, Ozzie under the contract which is also funded by Lotus developed the first release of Lotus Notes. The initial most versions of the Lotus Notes included emails, contact, database and online discussion.  However there were two major issue available that inhibited user from enjoy the concept emailing technology to the fullest. The first issue was communication network, which was not uniform and fast, the second reason was the underdeveloped or less capable Operating System. Due to these reasons developers decided to use Lotus Notes as a PIM or personal information manager. In-order to cope up with those situations the developers had to write a lot of code at system level. The code was written to develop entities like Server and databases.

After sometime the Notes got a nick name groupware, which refers to an application that enhance communication process among groups of people. The group was capable enough to set up a dedicated Server device that can easily communicate with other group’s server machine. The Server machine transfer data through replicated data which has several other copies on different machines. The Notes just easily synchronizes them which facilitates the users or co workers working in different branches. Let us analyze the various versions of Lotus Notes:

Version 1.0

The first version of Lotus Notes was shipped in 1989, the system requirement was DOS 3.1 or OS/2. The Server required DOS 3.1, 4.0 or OS/2. This version provided applications like Group Mail, Group Discussion and Group Phone Book.  Security and authenticity is the top priority of Notes, even in the first version they introduced RSA public key cryptography which satisfy the recipient that during transmission document was not altered or modified. It was the first commercial product to use any cryptographic technology for security purpose. The introduction of Dial up driver made the server access more interactive.

Version 1.1

The above stated version was not a feature release, in-fact it was first enhancement set made on Lotus Notes. The sole purpose of this release was to support more operating system and it indeed got successful in doing that. Also the application started supporting Windows 3.0 which was considered as a biggest achievement.

Version 2.0

The main objective of this version was to attain scalability, it was released in 1991. Initially Lotus Notes was preferred for small scale organizations, hence the developer focus to enhance it so that it can become feasible with large number of users. The rich text support was available with this version, also additional functions were included. User is allowed to have multiple names and address books, also one can forward documents from mail. The availability of larger database made the application look more promising. 

Version 3.0

At the time when Lotus Note released version 3.0, almost 500,000 users were already engaged with it. The interface was modified and the application support Full text search feature. The sorting and filter mechanism was also included that eased the user up-to great extent. It also supports Apple Talk networks and Macintosh clients. Also the features like alternate email capability, selective replication, a server for Windows operating system enhanced the scalability of the application.

Version 4.0  

Lotus Notes released version 4.0 in January 1996 and on the basis of feedback obtain from the user the developer made noticeable changes in the user interface.  A programming language known as Lotus Notes was included in Lotus Notes. The new three paned interface categorized mail and other entities that reduced the confusion. The entire interface was launched for the server administrators. The in-built internet integration included Web browser which can be accessed with Notes database. With the introduction of IDE (Integrated development environment), Infoboxes and templates enhanced application development and programmability.

Version 4.5

With this version Lotus Notes 4.5 server’s name was changed to Domino 4.5. The server possesses open networking environment with capability of developing application for Lotus Notes. It also provided wide range of business solutions for Intra and Internet. The inclusion of new database management tools, cluster of Domino server, directory assistance and enhancement in administration process has made this new version much successful. The feature of security that includes control list and password expiration policy made the application much secure.

Version 5.0

The version 5.0 was released in early 1999, it was known as descendent of version 1.0 as the architecture was backward compatible. The collaboration of Notes and Internet gave a new platform to the user so that they can enhance the business opportunity. The version supported fairly more Internet protocols and included an access to data stored in Notes database. The Domino administration became much easier because of enhanced registration, server monitoring and message management tools. The Internet messaging and directories included MIME and SMTP support. The accessibility of private and public data became much easier in time of urgency. The Internet messaging was involved with having support for all major Internet standards

Version 6.0

The version was launched with a wizard capable of customizing Welcome page. However the preview pane is similar to standard Notes databases. The version was launched in October 2002 and capable of doing more process in affordable price. The Lotus Domino designer was highly helpful in creating complex applications and in reusing the codes, which gradually saved time.

Version 6.5

IBM launched Lotus Notes and Domino 6.5 in September 2003, the version was strongly integrated with other IBM technologies. It was compatible with IBM Lotus Same time an instant messaging application and IBM Lotus Domino Web Access. The focus was depended upon the feedback provided by the end user in-order to make the application much acceptable.

Version7.0     

The version 7 known as Lotus Notes/Domino 7 was released in August 2005. This version was compatible with lots of IBM developed technologies. The integrated technology included IBM WebSphere Portal and IBM DB2, due to this Lotus Domino 7 offered better collaboration with Web standards. The introduction of new Domino Domain Monitoring feature facilitates the administrator to look upon the status of multiple servers available across a domain or domains. Due these features the mechanism of client server architecture improved a lot providing much faster process of information sharing.

Version 8.0

The aforementioned is an image of the interface of Lotus Notes 8, which was launched in August 2007. This email client application was based upon Eclipse framework. The eclipse application can be used in collaboration with Lotus Notes application. The Lotus Notes has become an open sourced Java based platform because of eclipse. The concept of button was introduced for the applications that are used most frequently. The activity centering computing is supported by the latest version IBM Lotus Notes. The collaboration history allows user to search and view information about the specific users.

The above discussed were some important features related to various versions of IBM Lotus Notes. But most of the user favors MS Outlook over Lotus Notes. Let us find out why despite of having a great legacy IBM Lotus Notes is not top priority of the users:

• The Notes is comparatively tough application than MS Outlook. User has to go through training program in-order to become fluent with the Notes technology.
•  The installation and maintenance cost of Notes is much higher than MS Outlook.
•  The IBM Lotus Notes is best suited for large organizations on the other hand MS Outlook is for all whether the user belongs to small firm or large.
•  The IBM Lotus Notes is developed using highly complex technology that always troubles users for even minor processing.

On considering aforementioned point user plans to switch from Lotus Notes to Outlook. But direct migration of files from Notes to Outlook is not possible because the former saves files in NSF format and the later one in PST or OST format. Therefore the only solution is to go for reliable and authentic third party NSF to PST converter tool.

One such recommended tool is Stellar NSF to PST converter tool that can easily convert all the Notes data in Outlook supported format. The demo version of the tool is available at the respective website of the tool. Visit Website - http://nsftopstconverter.stellarservertools.com/

Why To Priorities Outlook over Notes ?

Both, Microsoft Outlook and IBM Lotus Notes are professional email client applications. However Outlook has a bigger hand in terms of popularity. Let us find out with the help of "Outlook vs Lotus Notes Infographic" that what are the reasons behind the success of Outlook and the failure of Lotus Notes.

Remove Notes file truncation error using adroit recovery tool

Lotus Notes is an efficient email client application developed by widely popular organization known as IBM. The Lotus Notes client application is in collaboration with Domino Server. The interesting aspect of Lotus Notes and Domino Server is that they both share .nsf file formatting. This feature facilitates the user as the hectic and confusing task of file management is quite simple using the respective Client-Server application.

Recover Lotus Notes NSF file Database after NSF file Corruption

Lotus Notes is one of the most trendy and secure email clients used in big organizations. Lotus Notes keeps the entire email database in NSF file. Lotus Notes is the creation of IBM; because of that user can trust this application blindly. 

This email application works in correlation with Domino Server that guarantees the safety of Notes data. Lotus Notes as an email client includes the following components:

Recovering corrupt NSF was not easy, until been through this

A Notes storage facility of Lotus Notes is commonly known as NSF files. The NSF files are used for storing emails and other vital data of Lotus Notes and Domino Server application. Lotus Notes is well known email client application which is used in collaboration with Domini Server. The application helps user to create address book, calendars, instant messaging, discussion groups and many more useful features. The NSF files are highly secure files as it is encrypted with latest algorithm that inhibits any unauthorized access. Nevertheless, the NSF files are not secure enough in terms of corruption related issues. Like any other data file, NSF formatted files are also prone to number of threats. Let us have a look over possible threats associated with NSF file corruption:-

“Reason and remedy for NSF error 0x1A5”

IBM developed Lotus Notes, an adroit email client application in year 1989. It acts as an integrated email client application that collaborates with IBM Domino Server. The staunch email application allows user to access business emails, applications, attachments, contacts, appointments, events, tasks, journals, and calendars. The Lotus Notes application is widely compatible and can work flawlessly on multiple operating systems like Windows, Linux, UNIX and Mac. Lotus Notes and Domino Server both store files in the form of NSF format. Lotus Notes consists of a distinguished feature of application development hence it is also compared to Microsoft SharePoint. The user friendly interface of Notes allows this application the functionality to access, store and present data in safe and secure environment. However there are multiple ways by which Notes NSF files get malfunctioned. In this article I would like to draw a light upon one of the common situations when Lotus Notes user finds difficulty while accessing NSF data.