It’s frustrating when you can’t find an email someone sent you several moths ago. By default, Outlook will only search the Current Folder you’re in. Here you can see in the Search box Outlook is only searching my Inbox.

After doing a search, if there are no results or not the one you want, click Try Searching Again in All Mail Items.

This helps to find the email you’re looking for.

There’s no reason to have to search all of your folders twice though. Here’s how to always search All folders – including Deleted Items in Outlook 2010. Click the File then Options.

Outlook Options opens. Click Search, then under Results, select All Folders and Include Messages from Deleted Items. Another handy tool I like is having the search terms highlighted so they’re easier to find. Click OK.

Now, Outlook will always search All Folders and Deleted Messages too. Very handy.

By searching All folders including Deleted Items, you’ll have a better chance at finding those TPS reports that the boss is asking for!

You can set up the same settings in Outlook 2007 too. Click Tools » Options.

The Options window comes up. Click Search Options in the Search section.

Now, select Deleted Items and All Folders in the Instant Search Pane.

If you’re looking for a hard to find email, using these options will definitely help you out. Comment

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