(Resolved) – Fix Outlook Search Problem – (Updated)

Facing Outlook search Problem? Don’t worry here you will get the quick solution to fix Outlook Search problem. In the past few months, I have received a lot of questions regarding this Outlook Search issue. So after a deep study, I have finally come up with a solution to resolve this issue.

There are situations when you use the instant search feature in Outlook 2013. Outlook 2010 and in Outlook 2007 and you encounter following messages:

”No Results”

“We couldn’t find what you were looking for.” 

” Something went wrong and your search couldn’t be completed.”

“Search results may be incomplete because items are still being indexed”

 In this case, all you have to do is just stay calm and try the below techniques

Outlook is the most preferred email client with a number of high-end qualities and one of them is the Search Feature.  Outlook Search is a remarkable feature when it works but too often it displays error messages like Outlook Search Not Working.
Like other applications, Outlook to has some bugs which are yet not resolved.
So with this article, we will try to resolve one of the most common errors that many of you face.

Let us look at the reasons for Outlook Search problem.
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Reasons Behind Outlook Search Issues

There Is A Possibility That Search Function Is Completely Turned Off

This is a common problem with users who have updated their  MS  Outlook from older version. Normally during the updating process, the search becomes disabled so just enable it once again to get it in working order.

Your Outlook Data Files Are Not Indexed Completely

All you need to do is wait until indexing of Outlook Data is completed. Indexing may take many hours, it completely depends on the size of your hard drive and Outlook data.  Users might need to leave the computer on overnight so the indexing service can catch up.

Sometimes, the indexing process never ends. Outlook always shows the ‘incomplete index’ error message no matter how long you wait.

Presence Of Large Sized Attachments In PST Files

Even a large attachment may lead to this error. Users can opt for some suitable software to compress the PST attachments. If you have no idea you can check out SysInfo PST Compact Tool.

Corruptions In Outlook Data Files

Corruption of any type is a major reason for this kind of error. Users can take help of the Scanpst.exe to repair PST files. In a case of extreme corruption, they can opt for PST File Repair Software.

If you take care of above mentioned above steps, there are chances that you may not face the situation to fix Outlook Search Problem.

Let me tell you one important thing. Outlook is not the reason for the search issues,  Outlook’s search problem completely relies on the Windows to find search result. Firstly, You need to look at the Windows Search Service and get that working correctly.  Once that’s is rectified Outlook should be able to search anything smoothly.

Windows Search is the modern name for the indexing service. Before it was called Windows Indexing Service or Windows Desktop Search. Basically, the software sits in the background and creates an index of all the Outlook file item.  This index is just like the index of a book which ) lets you find things much sooner rather than scanning each file during the individual searches.

Below are the Few Methods To Fix Outlook  Search Problem

Step 01: Verify indexing is complete

To verify whether the indexing is complete or not follow the below process:

In Outlook 2007

• Launch MS Outlook
• Go to Tools – Instant Search
• In the Microsoft Office Outlook dialog box, you should see the following messages

Outlook has finished indexing all of your items.
New items are indexed when they arrive.
0 items remaining in “Mailbox -<username>”
0 items remaining across all open mailboxes.

In Outlook 2010 & Outlook 2013

• Launch MS Outlook
• Go to Search – Search Tools – Indexing Status
• You should see the following message when the Indexing Status dialog box appears on your screen

Outlook has finished indexing all of your items.
0 items remaining to be indexed.

If there are items which are yet to be indexed then wait for some more time till Outlook indexes all your files.
Keep in mind, to note the number of items remaining to be indexed. In the second time, if the numbers didn’t decrease try troubleshooting it with the below mentioned steps.

Step 02: Configuring Correct Indexing Options

If you are already using Microsoft Outlook and have configured it with Exchange server with Use Cached Exchange Mode enabled or using a non-Exchange email account, then follow the below-mentioned steps to make sure the indexing options of your Outlook have been configured correctly.

• Close MS Outlook
• Open the Indexing options
  Windows XP
  Go to Start – Settings – Control Panel and in the control panel double click on Indexing options
  Note: Click on Performance and Maintenance and then open Indexing Options, if your Control Panel is in the Category View
  Windows 7
  Go to Start button – In the Search box search Indexing Options and click Enter
  Windows 8
  Go to Start – In the search bar type Indexing options – under Search click on Settings – and then select Indexing Options
• Now in the Indexing Options dialog box click on Advanced and select the File Types tab
• Scroll down to msg in the Extension column
• Select MSG and make sure to enable index Properties and File Content options
• Then click on Ok and then Close

Step 03: Including Outlook Data Into Indexing

With the help of this section, you will be able to verify whether the whole Outlook data has been indexed or not.

Try searching for certain phrases or keywords which you think are available in the email messages.
Keep one point in mind, that this technique might not work in MS Outlook 2013 as this version of Outlook doesn’t allow to search Outlook items by using Windows Desktop search.

If the search doesn’t show any email messages then follow the below steps to include all the Outlook data files get indexed.

• Close MS Outlook
• Open the Indexing options
  Windows XP
  Go to Start – Settings – Control Panel and in the control panel double click on Indexing options
  Note: Click on Performance and Maintenance and then open Indexing Options, if your Control Panel is in the Category View
  Windows 7
  Go to Start button – In the Search box search Indexing Options and click Enter
  Windows 8
  Go to Start – In the search bar type Indexing options – under Search click on Settings – and then select Indexing Options
• Now select Modify in the Indexing Options and click Ok
• Now select Advance in the Indexing Options dialog box and then click on Rebuild
• Click on Ok and the Close

You have to allow some time for the Index to be rebuilt. Once your  Outlook has finished rebuilding the Index, then your Outlook Search problems will definitely get over.

Even if this method doesn’t work then contact Microsoft Customer Support Services for more assistance.

I hope this article is enough you to get rid you of all the issues and fix Outlook Search problems

Thank You