How to Fix OneNote Importer Errors with Large Evernote Files
Question details
Users encounter errors or crashes when trying to import large Evernote (ENEX) files into Microsoft OneNote.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating a large collection of notes from Evernote to Microsoft OneNote using the official or third-party importer tools.
- Observed behavior
- The OneNote Importer displays error messages or fails to complete the migration process due to excessive file sizes, duplicate notes, or lack of software support.
Ensure you have a complete backup of your Evernote data exported as ENEX files to a secure location on your local drive before starting the cleanup process.
Clean Up and Batch Your Evernote Export
Reduce file size and complexity by removing duplicates and dividing your Evernote notes into smaller, manageable batches for import.
Because the official OneNote Importer is no longer actively supported by Microsoft, it struggles with large files and complex ENEX exports. Breaking the migration into smaller chunks significantly reduces the chance of timeout errors.
Open the Evernote desktop application and navigate to the notebook you wish to export.
Manually delete any duplicate entries or outdated notes you no longer need. This will streamline the export and reduce the overall file size.
Hold down the Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) key and select a group of notes. It is highly recommended to limit each batch to a maximum of 250 notes.
Right-click the selected notes, choose 'Export Notes', select the ENEX format, and save the file to your computer. Repeat this for all remaining batches.
Use your chosen migration tool to import each ENEX file into OneNote one by one, ensuring each batch completes successfully before starting the next.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the OneNote Importer fail with Evernote files?
Microsoft officially discontinued support for the OneNote Importer tool. Because it no longer receives updates, it struggles to process large ENEX files or modern Evernote formatting, leading to crashes and timeout errors.
How do I export Evernote files in smaller batches?
In the Evernote application, hold down the Ctrl or Cmd key to select a specific group of notes (up to 250 is recommended). Right-click the selection, select 'Export Notes', choose the ENEX format, and save the file. Repeat this process until all notes are exported.
What is an ENEX file?
An ENEX file is the standard export format used by Evernote. It is an XML-based file that contains your text, attachments, and note metadata, allowing your data to be backed up or transferred to other applications.
Can I migrate notes if the OneNote Importer is completely broken?
Yes. If the official tool fails completely, you can utilize third-party, open-source migration tools like Evernote2Onenote, or opt to manually copy and paste the notes if your notebook volume is relatively small.
