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roswaugh2177's avatar
roswaugh2177
Copper Contributor
Jul 22, 2023

Unable to search for previous emails.

I am unable to search for previous email. When I type in the name in the search box, I get a message that something went wrong!! How can it be resolved, please?

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor

    roswaugh2177 

    There are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem.

    Here are some common solution approaches:

    1. Check Outlook Search Index: The first thing to check is the Outlook search index. Sometimes, issues with searching are caused by a corrupted or incomplete search index. To rebuild the search index, follow these steps:
      • Click on "File" in Outlook.
      • Click on "Options."
      • In the Outlook Options window, select "Search" on the left-hand side.
      • Click on "Indexing Options."
      • In the Indexing Options window, click on "Advanced."
      • Click on "Rebuild" to start rebuilding the search index.
    2. Check Search Scope: Make sure that the search scope is set correctly. If you are searching in a specific folder or subfolder, ensure that the folder is included in the search scope.
    3. Check Search Filters: Verify that you are not using any search filters that may be restricting the search results. Clear any filters to widen the search.
    4. Check Search Query: Double-check your search query to ensure that it is correctly spelled and does not contain any syntax errors.
    5. Disable Add-ins: Sometimes, third-party add-ins can interfere with Outlook's search functionality. Try disabling any add-ins and see if the search issue persists.
    6. Repair Office Installation: If none of the above steps work, you can try repairing your Office installation. Go to "Control Panel" > "Programs and Features" (or "Add or Remove Programs" on older versions of Windows) and find "Microsoft Office." Right-click on it and select "Change." Choose the "Repair" option and follow the prompts to repair the Office installation.
    7. Update Outlook: Ensure that your Outlook application is up-to-date with the latest updates and patches. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that could resolve search-related issues.
    8. Check Online Mode: If you are using Outlook in Cached Exchange Mode, try switching to Online Mode and see if the search issue is resolved. In Online Mode, Outlook performs searches directly on the server, which can sometimes yield better results.
    9. Create a New Profile: If all else fails, consider creating a new Outlook profile. Sometimes, a corrupted profile can cause search issues. You can create a new profile from the "Control Panel" > "Mail" > "Show Profiles."

    The text and steps were created with the help of AI.

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

    Hope this will help you.

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