Indexing Problems

I am having a problem with Windows 7 search when searching for emails:

1)When searching for an outlook email in the "instant search" bar in Outlook, the results are as expected (many results are displayed for the search term)

2) However, when searching from a search box using the exact same term as in #1 above, (eg/ when using "option F"), no results are displayed.

My understanding is that both of these search methods utilize the same index, application, etc...so this is perplexing.

In looking at Inexing Options, it appears to be completely indexed. I have tried to rebuild the index several times with the same results.

Any help would be appreciated.

You don't really specify which search box, so here are some links you may find helpful:

This one discusses how searching from different 'boxes' produces different results:

Mastering Windows Search using Advanced Query Syntax

And here are some other useful links:

Windows Search - Configure and Use

Become a Windows Search ninja with Advanced Query Syntax | Ed Bott

Thanks for the links. The trouble I have is that when I do a search using "Windows Key + F (Windows Search), I do not get any email results regardless of where I do the search. (I can use Windows Key + F while in Outlook and still get no email results).


On the other hand, if I use the internal search bar that is part of Outlook 2007 (which is supposed to use the same index as Window Key + F ), the email results appear.

As mentioned, my index does include emails, so it is confusing why they are not being displayed in results when using the Windows Key + F.

Assuming that Oulook 2007 email extension is .eml, I would try using some of the filters mentioned in the links, i.e.:

type:.eml or kind:email

If you wish to find email from a particular person:

type:.eml author:bob jones

Give it a try.

I did try that... It works great for the "instant search" internal to Outlook; however it does not work with the Window Key + F. Should work the same in both, so very confusing.

Is the file type selected in Indexing Options|Advanced|File Types tab?

yes, it is

You could check to make sure that the directory in which the emails are kept are indeed indexed. If they are, my next step would be to rebuild the index to see if that makes a difference.

They are definitely indexed. In fact, those directories are the only items in the index. Tried to rebuild several times, but the results are the same.

Is your system set to show Hidden files and protected OS system files?

If not (the tutorial at the link will show you how, if you don't already know), set them to show and try a search. If still no results, try rebuilding the index again in case the hidden .pst files aren't included in the index.