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Outlook returning search results out of order
I have an unusual problem with Outlook and Exchange that is frustrating one of my pickier clients.
The user is running Outlook 2003 with Exchange 2003 on SBS in non-cached mode. When he executes a search, the results don't come back in chronological order--messages from weeks ago will pop up first, and then earlier and later messages are filled in around those as the search progresses. He is absolutely adamant that the search must return the most recent messages first, and frankly it seems like it should operate like this anyway.
The server was installed by a different consulting firm about three weeks ago and I believe the Exchange database was ported from an older server. He claims this problem started after the migration.
I am at a loss for what to do here. I am going to try an offline defrag on the chance that it may re-order the data, but that's a shot in the dark. Anyone have any idea how to solve this for sure?
The user is running Outlook 2003 with Exchange 2003 on SBS in non-cached mode. When he executes a search, the results don't come back in chronological order--messages from weeks ago will pop up first, and then earlier and later messages are filled in around those as the search progresses. He is absolutely adamant that the search must return the most recent messages first, and frankly it seems like it should operate like this anyway.
The server was installed by a different consulting firm about three weeks ago and I believe the Exchange database was ported from an older server. He claims this problem started after the migration.
I am at a loss for what to do here. I am going to try an offline defrag on the chance that it may re-order the data, but that's a shot in the dark. Anyone have any idea how to solve this for sure?
It's entirely normal for a standard Outlook search to return results that way.
If he's that picky install Windows Search and he'll have instant search capability... the results will start showing as he's typing in the letters. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/desktopsearch/choose/windowsdesktopsearch.mspx
Jeff
TechSoEasy
If he's that picky install Windows Search and he'll have instant search capability... the results will start showing as he's typing in the letters. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/desktopsearch/choose/windowsdesktopsearch.mspx
Jeff
TechSoEasy
ASKER
I don't think that's accurate, Jeff. I just came acros MS KB 308608 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308608), and it seems that this (or something very similar) can happen when a mailbox is moved between servers. Unfortunately, I've tried the solutions listed in the KB article, and searches still seem to be returning results in a random order.
Is there a way to integrate WDS directly into Outlook 2003 on Win XP? I never used WDS when I was on XP--went from Google Desktop to Vista--so I'm not too familiar with it, but if I recall the installations I've seen correctly, it places an input box on the taskbar. I know that this client won't go for it if it isn't right there in Outlook.
Is there a way to integrate WDS directly into Outlook 2003 on Win XP? I never used WDS when I was on XP--went from Google Desktop to Vista--so I'm not too familiar with it, but if I recall the installations I've seen correctly, it places an input box on the taskbar. I know that this client won't go for it if it isn't right there in Outlook.
That KB article is interesting, but honestly, I've never seen Outlook return results from newest to oldest when searching a large mailbox folder. They are always sorted when the search is over, but usually the search results come in rather randomly.
WDS definitely integrates into Outlook 2003 on Win XP. Google Desktop is a comletely different technology.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
WDS definitely integrates into Outlook 2003 on Win XP. Google Desktop is a comletely different technology.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
ASKER
Still looking for a good resolution to this problem if anyone has any suggestions.
EE doesn't work like other forums... posting that won't bump up your question, and since it's now over 3 weeks old, it most likely won't get looked at again by anyone else.
So... either we can continue working together or you can ask for this question to be deleted (by posting a request to the Community Support Zone) and post a new one.
I'm certainly willing to help you out here though...
Did you try one or both of the workarounds it suggested in KB308608? (sorting the messages in a temporary folder or exporting the mailbox to a .pst file and then reimporting)?
Jeff
TechSoEasy
So... either we can continue working together or you can ask for this question to be deleted (by posting a request to the Community Support Zone) and post a new one.
I'm certainly willing to help you out here though...
Did you try one or both of the workarounds it suggested in KB308608? (sorting the messages in a temporary folder or exporting the mailbox to a .pst file and then reimporting)?
Jeff
TechSoEasy
ASKER
I did indeed try the solutions in the KB, but none of them seem to be resolving the problem. Looks like it might be a question for Microsoft.
If you have any further suggestions, Jeff, I'd be happy to hear them... otherwise I'll accept your answer as the solution.
If you have any further suggestions, Jeff, I'd be happy to hear them... otherwise I'll accept your answer as the solution.
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Referring to Question 22973670 from 11/20/07.
Can someone tell me if this issue continues to be a problem in Outlook 2007 or if it has been resolved?
Can someone tell me if this issue continues to be a problem in Outlook 2007 or if it has been resolved?
ASKER