Something went wrong and your search couldn't be completed

Hi Eleni,

I tried your suggestion, have included some comments below, which are hopefully helpful:

1. Check Search Index Settings" -
2. CLOSE Outlook down completely (if you don't do this now you will need to close and restart it later)
3. Click Start Button
4. Type "Index"
5. Select "Indexing Options"
6. Click Modify - when I got there the modify option was greyed out so I didn't go any further

Hi, thanks for coming back to me, to answer your questions:

1. May I know your affected account type and subscription - Microsoft 365 business account
2. May I know how accounts are configured in Outlook (such as Exchange, IMAP, and POP)? POP/SMTP - I think.
3. May I know what version of Outlook you have? What version of Outlook do I have? - Microsoft Support. Classic
4. attaching relevant screenshots for your issues would be immensely helpful.

Hi Paul Stokes2,

Have a Good day,

Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community, we are happy to assist you.

To assist better you, could you please provide us with additional details?

1. May I know your affected account type and subscription (such as a Microsoft 365 business account, Outlook.com/Hotmail.com/live.com account, or third-party account)?
2. May I know how accounts are configured in Outlook (such as Exchange, IMAP, and POP)?
3. May I know what version of Outlook you have? What version of Outlook do I have? - Microsoft Support.
4. attaching relevant screenshots for your issues would be immensely helpful.

In the meantime time you can follow these steps and check if the problem will exist or disappear:

1. Check Search Index Settings"
2. CLOSE Outlook down completely (if you don't do this now you will need to close and restart it later)
3. Click Start Button
4. Type "Index"
5. Select "Indexing Options"
6. Click Modify
7. Check the box beside "Microsoft Outlook"
8. Open Outlook and search.

You may find you get a short list of hits and then a "Search for more" link. Just click the link. Once the indexing service has completed re-indexing things will be back to normal.

If that checkbox is already ticked

You will need to rebuild the index by following this guide Fix search issues by rebuilding your Instant Search Catalog

2. Refer to this guide for Troubleshooting Outlook search issues follow the troubleshooting steps and check if could help to fix your issue.

Note: Please understand that our initial reply may not always immediately resolve the issue. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

Best Regards,

Microsoft Community Moderator

Hi Paul Stokes2,

Good day to you and I hope you are doing well.

Sorry to disturb you. As we did not get a response, may I know if the above reply was able to clarify your issue, or could you please let us know if we may help you with anything else?

Have you checked the above steps and tried the rebuild index lead?  was it able to help you resolve your issue?

Sincerely,

Eleni | Microsoft Community Moderator.

Hi Paul Stokes2,

Have a Good day,

Thank you for your prompt reply,

Regarding your information and as per your description it looks like you have an issue with index features and this feature is the main engine for searching.

Meanwhile, try the below troubleshooting methods.

Method 1: Searching and Indexing Troubleshooter.

Go to Settings> Update and Security > Troubleshoot and run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter and let us know the result of the troubleshooting.

Method 2: Run System File Checker.

Run the System File Checker Tool to repair missing or corrupted system files.

Method 3: Disable and re-enable the Search Engine feature through DISM.

Step 1: Click on the Start Menuand search for Command Prompt> Right-click on Command Prompt > Run As Administrator.

Step 2: Type the following commands one by one and hit Enter.

· dism /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"SearchEngine-Client-Package"

· dism /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"SearchEngine-Client-Package"

Note: After each command, you need to restart your computer.

Step 3: Once you have successfully executed the above commands, check for the issue.

After following these solutions and getting your index working normally check Outlook search.

If the problem still exists,

It’s recommended to rebuild your index database by doing the following :

2. Click Start Button
3. Type "Index"
4. Select "Indexing Options"
5. Click Advanced
6. Click Rebuild

Note: The rebuild process takes a long time depending on the data on your computer so you may need to hold until finished but search results will take effect during rebuilding.

Best Regards,

Microsoft Community Moderator