Can I change the order of search in Outlook email messages?

Question

XP Outlook 2003.

When I want to find a message containing a phrase, Outlook searches from the earliest message. However, usually the message I want is quite recent.

Is there a way to change the order in which Outlook 2003 searches email messages?

Solution 1

Outlook searches based on modified date - oldest first, that's why it finds the oldest messages first.

Solution 2

On top of the Date column, isn't there a sort-by filter? (Newest on Top etc.) That would be my first guess. I'm running Outlook 2010 however, so maybe it's different.

Comments

[Xavierjazz]

There is on the entire set of messages, but I can see no way to change the order os search of those messages.

[Xavierjazz]

I understand that. My question is, "How can I change that"? Regards,

[joeqwerty]

I don't think it can be changed, at least not to my knowledge.

[Joshua]

Well, here are some other options: (a) Upgrade Outlook (I really like 2010 - it is fast and much more efficient with large inboxes. Has built-in "live" search). (b) Install Google Desktop and use it to search your Inbox. It is very fast and has numerous sort / filter options.

[Xavierjazz]

It appears that you are right - it cannot be changed. Therefore you get the acceptance. I did find a workaround that has helped me, and that is to use "Search Folders": office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/…. Regards,

[joeqwerty]

@Xavierjazz: Thanks and thanks for the heads up regarding Search Folders.