The Outlook for MAC search 'No Results' problem, can appear after updating MAC OS or Office for MAC from one release to another or can appear suddenly. Mar 12, 2018 - In this blog Outlook user read How to Fix Outlook Search Problem or Outlook Not Working Mac and by reading the blog you easily fix Outlook.
Nowadays Outlook is the most popular email application that is used to send and receive bulk of emails in an organization as well as personal level. It must be maintained and upgraded timely otherwise many issues may arise. Many times, it is difficult for users to execute and understand Outlook search with updated edition of application. As Search option, is the most important feature of the Outlook application. It helps to perform a specific search of a defined criterion. It helps in navigating through mails and other components quite proficiently. In the following section, we will discuss the trouble faced by the users.
Mac Outlook users keep on searching for some alternative because of the multiple issues faced by them like email search is not working. Therefore, users want some solution to move from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook. Now, to do the same in a proper way, you can try SysTools Outlook Mac Exporter tool. It is one of the simplest and efficient way of migrating from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook in just a few simple clicks.
Problem Description
In Outlook 2016 for Mac, users receive a message “No Results,” when they try to search specific mail message or task items are not displayed in Task folder. Moreover, when users search for mail items by utilizing Mac OS spotlight search, the search is not successful. They face an issue of email search not working in Outlook for Mac:
Note: While performing the search option, user must be aware of the following facts:
- Operating system must include Spotlight Search Option
- Spotlight Search should be synchronized with Outlook 2016
- When new data is introduced, it takes several minutes for indexing
Causes behind the Issue
The problem may arise due to following reasons as mentioned:
- Indexing of Spotlight Search is incomplete
- The name contains the special characters
- Profile or its parent folders are in privacy tab in Spotlight
- Index Search of Spotlight is corrupted
Way to Resolve the Problem
Until now, we have discussed the issue and causes behind its occurrence. Now, we will be discussing the methods to solve the problem faced by the users. There are some solutions mentioned below which helps to resolve the issue, i.e. email search not working in Outlook for Mac.
Solution 1: Complete Spotlight Indexing
When the user creates new Outlook profile in Outlook 2016 for Mac or they have imported the new data from PST or OLM files. Then the Spotlight indexing is not completed. In this situation, “No Results” message is displayed. To solve this problem, user should wait for a time to finish the indexing and then search again.
Solution 2: Eliminate Special Characters
If Outlook for Mac 2016 has some special characters such as *, /, >, +, @, etc. then, users need to change the identity name by following the steps mentioned below:
- View Profile Name
- Select Go >> Applications.
- Click on MS Outlook >> Show Package Contents
- Increase Contents, SharedSupport >> Outlook Profile Manager
- Change Profile Name
- Open Identity folder of Outlook 2016 from the mentioned location:
- Now, rename the identity name by removing the special characters
- Confirm the changes by again viewing the profile name.
Solution 3: Remove the tab of Privacy
If the Outlook 2016, profile folder are added to Privacy tab then, the Spotlight will not index that folder location. Now, remove the location of these folders from Privacy tab in spotlight and wait for the time until these folders to finish indexing.
Solution 4: Fix Spotlight Index Corruption
If the user is still facing problem then, Spotlight index may get corrupted. To resolve this, user needs to re-index the Spotlight Index by following few steps:
- Select Apple menu then, go to system preference >> Spotlight
- Click on the privacy tab and now drag the folder, which user wants to index to list of locations that is prevented from Spotlight search
- Choose the folder which is added and remove it from the list by clicking on the remove (-) button
- Now, quite the preferences of system and the Spotlight will re-index folder contents.
After following the mentioned solutions, if the users still face an issue then, they can uninstall the Outlook 2016 from Mac machine and again reinstall.
Conclusion
In the above discussion, various methods to resolve the occurrence of issue, i.e. Email search not working in Outlook for Mac is discussed. According to experts, a user can try these solutions as they will surely improve the functioning of Mac Outlook. In addition, all these workarounds help in boosting the searching process.
Is Outlook Search not working? Fixing it isn’t hard. Just follow our seven ways to get Outlook search working again.
1. Is Outlook Search Not Working? Rebuild the Outlook Index
To get you started, jump straight into this Outlook search fix that usually resolves the issue straight out of the gate. There are two ways of doing this. Both are quick and usually work.
Method 1: Use Programs and Features
To rebuild the Outlook index when Outlook search isn’t working, type control into the Windows 10 search bar and select the best match to open the Control Panel. Now, head to Programs > Programs & Features. Scroll down and select Outlook 2016 or Microsoft Office [your version].
Now, select Change from the top menu, as highlighted in the image below. You can now choose Quick Repair or Online Repair. Choose Quick Repair, then Repair, to fix the Outlook indexing issue without using your internet connection.
Let the process complete then restart your system.
Method 2: Use the Outlook Index Repair Menu Option
There is a second Outlook index repair menu option—you just need to know where to find it.
Open Outlook, then select File > Options > Search. Now, select Indexing Options, followed by Advanced.
Finally, select Rebuild, and click OK. This might well take a moment. After the rebuild is complete, restart your system.
Also: Double Check the Indexing Status
There is a quick way to check the Outlook indexing status.
Within Outlook, select the search bar. Then, select the Search tab from the menu bar. Now, select Search tools > Indexing status and see how many items are awaiting index. You can still use Outlook search while the remaining items get indexed, but you will encounter some omissions.
2. Check Outlook Index Locations
Next up, double-check that Outlook is on the list of indexed locations.
Open Outlook and head to File > Options > Search > Indexing Options. Select Modify from the Indexing Options panel. Make sure there is a check alongside Microsoft Outlook, then press OK.
Now, restart your system.
3. Fix Outlook Search Using the Registry
It is possible to repair Outlook search using the Windows Registry.
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Then, type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Next, press Ctrl + F to open the search menu, then copy and paste the following registry key:
Once found, select the right-hand panel, then right-click and select New Dword (32-bit). Name the new Dword PreventIndexingOutlook and assign it the value 0.
Press OK, then restart your system.
4. Update Microsoft Office 2016
When was the last time your Office version updated? Your Outlook search issues might resolve by updating Office to the latest versionAutomatic Updates in Microsoft Office 2016 ExplainedAutomatic Updates in Microsoft Office 2016 ExplainedMicrosoft Office 2016 will be running an auto-update feature and a number of different servicing branches similar to Windows 10. Let’s explore what that means for your Office 2016 installation.Read More.
Open Outlook. Head to File > Office Account (just Account for other Office programs). Check under Product Information for the Update Options drop-down menu. Select Update Now if available and let the process complete.
If you do not see any update options at all and there is only an About button, consider the following:
- Are you running a volume license issued by your workplace or similar?
- Have you made changes to your system Group Policy?
- Is your workplace or similar using a Group Policy to stop manual updates?
- Has someone else installed a pirate version of Office on your system?
You can always manually install a Microsoft Office update via their Office Updates download page.
5. Repair Your Outlook Personal Folder File (.PST)
Another option is to repair your Outlook personal folder file (.PST) using the Inbox Repair tool. Outlook search may encounter issues if your Outlook personal folder file is corrupt.
First, you need to find the repair tool. Its location is dependent on your Outlook version. You’re looking for scanpst.exe in one of the following locations:
- 32-bit Office 2016: C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice16
- 64-bit Office 2016: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice16
- 64-bit Outlook 2016: C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice16
- Office 365 (2016 package): C:Program FilesMicrosoft Officerootoffice16
- 32-bit Office 2013: C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice15
- 64-bit Office 2013: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice15
- 64-bit Outlook 2013: C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice15
- Office 365 (2013 package): C:Program FilesMicrosoft Officerootoffice15
You also need to know the location of your .pst file. Outlook 2010, 2013, and 2016 users should find their personal folder file at:
Now, right-click scanpst.exe and select Run as administrator. Hit Browse, then copy and paste your personal folder file location into the address bar. Select the relevant account, press Open, then Start. This process can take a few minutes but should fix your Outlook search problems.
6. Check the Outlook Indexing Group Policy Setting
This option is a slight long shot; if something has specifically changed this setting, you have other issues. But it is worth exploring every Outlook search-fix option. Unfortunately, this option is only available to Windows 10 Pro users as Home users do not have access to the Windows 10 Local Group Policy EditorHow to Access the Group Policy Editor, Even in Windows Home & Settings to TryHow to Access the Group Policy Editor, Even in Windows Home & Settings to TryGroup Policy is a power tool that lets you access advanced system settings. We'll show you how to access it or set it up in Windows Home and 5+ powerful Group Policies to boot.Read More panel.
Type gpedit in the Start menu search bar and select the best match.
Now, browse to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Search. Check Default excluded paths and Prevent indexing certain paths for alterations regarding Microsoft Outlook.
If the policy state is set to Not configured, you know this isn’t where your Outlook search problems stem from.
7. Reinstall Outlook
As a last resort, you can uninstall then reinstall Microsoft Outlook. Of course, this is time-consuming and not an ideal solution. But some users report that this last resort finally fixed their Outlook search issues.
The Outlook Search Continues…
![Search broken in outlook for mac 2016 Search broken in outlook for mac 2016](https://lookeen.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Outlook-2016-indexing-options.png)
These seven fixes should take care of every Outlook search failure. If your Outlook search isn’t working, don’t panic. Just work your way through the list.
In my experience, rebuilding and refreshing the Outlook search index usually gets things moving again. But if not, repairing the Outlook personal file is another reliable option5 Best Tools for Microsoft Outlook5 Best Tools for Microsoft OutlookAre you missing a feature in Microsoft Outlook? Here are Outlook tools that add useful functionality or provide quick access to its settings and features.Read More.
Explore more about: Desktop Email Client, Microsoft Office 2016, Microsoft Outlook, Troubleshooting, Windows 10.
- I don't have Microsoft outlook in Outlook Index Locations !!!!
How can I add this?Please help meThanks - Instead of 'Quick Repair' you can also try 'Online Repair', which also could take a while like reinstalling Office, so perhaps would be fitting in # 7.