Outlook Notes Missing

Question

My Notes folder shows I have [n29] notes, but when I click on it, it only shows the two new ones I created.

Answer 1

Hi, @Andrew Eklind

If you haven't tried anything yet, first double-check that Outlook is signed in to the correct account where those notes were originally saved.

If you're using Classic Outlook, also try:

• Open the Notes folder.
• Go to "View" > "View Settings" > "Filter".
• Clear any filters, then click OK.
• You can also try "View" > "Reset View".

---

If the notes are still missing, to help narrow this down:

1. Are you using Classic Outlook, New Outlook, or Outlook on the web?
2. What type of account is this: Outlook.com/Hotmail, Microsoft 365 work or school, Gmail, or another provider?
3. Do you have more than one account added in Outlook, and have you checked the Notes folder under each account?

---

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!

Answer 2

This usually means the Notes folder still has items, but they are not being displayed correctly, or the folder view is filtering them.

Try these checks in order:

1. Check whether the Notes folder is being filtered in Outlook
   • Open the Notes folder.
   • Go to View > View Settings > Filter.
   • Review the filter tabs and remove any settings that could hide items.
   • If the notes reappear, the items were being filtered from view rather than deleted.
2. Check the Notes folder in Outlook on the web or another Outlook client
   • If the notes appear there, the issue is likely specific to the current Outlook client or view.
   • If the folder still shows the item count but not the notes, continue with the next step.
3. Check Deleted Items and recover deleted items
   • Open Deleted Items and look for the missing notes.
   • If they are not there, use Recover items deleted from this folder if available.
4. If the folder itself is affected, check whether the folder is hidden
   • This issue can occur when the folder’s PR_ATTR_HIDDEN property is set to True.
   • Use MFCMAPI to inspect the Notes folder.
   • If PR_ATTR_HIDDEN is True, edit it and clear the Boolean value, then restart Outlook.
   • Also check PR_ATTR_SYSTEM. Its default value is False; if it is True, clear it as well.

MFCMAPI steps:

1. Download and extract MFCMAPI.
2. Start mfcmapi.exe.
3. Select Session > Logon.
4. Choose the Outlook profile for the mailbox.
5. Double-click the mailbox.
6. Navigate to the folder:
   • Cached Mode: Root - Mailbox > IPM_SUBTREE
   • Online Mode: Root Container > Top of information Store
7. Select the Notes folder and check PR_ATTR_HIDDEN.
8. If it is True, right-click it, select Edit Property, clear the Boolean checkbox, and select OK.
9. If PR_ATTR_SYSTEM is True, edit it the same way.
10. Close MFCMAPI and restart Outlook.

Note: MFCMAPI changes mailbox properties directly. Only change the properties listed above.

---

• Default folder is missing in Outlook and Outlook on the web
• Items disappear or are not visible in an Outlook folder
• Default folder is missing in Outlook and Outlook on the web