Searching for a numeric string in Outlook PST may return no results.

The issue you are experiencing with searching for numeric strings in Outlook PST files could be related to how Outlook indexes and retrieves content. Here are some points to consider based on your description:

1. Indexing Issues: Even though you have rebuilt the index, there might still be issues with how the index is configured or functioning on your computer. The Windows Search service settings can impact indexing, and if the service is not set up correctly, it may not index certain types of content properly.
2. File Location and Permissions: Since you mentioned that moving the PST file to another colleague's computer yields results, this suggests that the issue may be specific to your Outlook setup or the permissions associated with your PST file on your machine.
3. Attachment Search Limitations: Searching for numeric strings that only appear in attachments can be problematic, as Outlook may not index the content of attachments in the same way it does for email body text. This could explain why numeric strings in attachments are not found.
4. Creating a New PST File: The fact that creating a new PST file did not resolve the issue indicates that the problem may not be with the PST file itself but rather with the Outlook application or its configuration on your computer.

To troubleshoot further, you might consider checking the Windows Search service settings, ensuring that the service is not set to interact with the desktop, and verifying that your Outlook installation is up to date. Additionally, reviewing the indexing options in the Control Panel may provide insights into what is being indexed and what is not.

References:

• Windows Search service setting results in no matches found in Outlook

Dear Lee. Sunny (TPE)

Thank you for reaching out to the Q&A Forum.

To better assist you, please confirm the Outlook version your colleague is using so we can ensure both accounts are on the same build.

You may try repairing the Office installation by going to Control Panel, selecting Programs, then Uninstall a program. Right-click Microsoft Office, choose Change, and select either Quick Repair or Online Repair. Another option is to create a new Outlook profile to test if the issue persists.

Since searches with English text and numbers work but pure numbers do not, please review your system language settings and temporarily change them to English. Also, change the language in Outlook to English to test whether these settings affect the search behavior.

Please verify your indexing settings by opening Control Panel, switching the view to Small icons, and selecting Indexing Options. Click Advanced, go to the File Types tab, and ensure that “Index Properties and File Contents” is selected for .pst files.

Additionally, I found a thread where a user suggested using Advanced Find as a workaround for similar issues. For details, please refer to this link: Why is Outlook search not searching partial numbers/words?

Please try these suggestions and share your feedback.

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