OL97: Doesn't Contain in Find May Give Unexpected Results

• Microsoft Outlook 97

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Outlook 97, when you use the Advanced Find to look for Contacts and specify different values for the name field using the doesn't contain condition, the search results include those values.

RESOLUTION

To get the desired results, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Set the search criteria using the following example:

1. On the Tools menu, click Find Items and click the Advanced tab.

2. Click Field, point to All Mail fields, and click From.

3. Under Condition, click doesn't contain, from the list.

4. In the Value box type John (space) Jane, then click Add to List.

5. Click Find Now.

Method 2

Assign a category to each Contact, then use the category name in the Doesn't Contain field. To assign a category follow these steps:

1. In Outlook, click the Contacts icon in the Outlook Bar.

2. On the Contacts menu, click New Contact.

3. Type the pertinent information for the person, then click Categories

       in the lower left corner of the Contact form.
   

4. Click to select the desired Category name. To create a new Category,

       in "Item(s) belong to these categories," type your new Category name,
       click Add to list, click OK, then click Save and
       Close.
   

5. On the Tools menu, click Find Items, and then click the Advanced tab.

6. Click Field, point to Frequently-used fields, and click

       Categories.
   

7. Under Condition, click doesn't contain, from the list.

8. In the Value box, type the Category name, then click Add to List.

9. Click Find Now.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. In Outlook, click the Contacts icon on the Outlook Bar.

2. On the Contacts menu, click New Contact.

3. In Full Name, type John Smith, then click Save and Close.

4. On the Contacts menu, click New Contact.

5. In Full Name, type Jane Smith, then click Save and Close.

6. On the Tools menu, click Find Items and click the Advanced tab.

7. Click Field, point to Name fields, and click First Name.

8. Under Condition, click doesn't contain, from the list.

9. In the Value box type John, then click Add to List.

10. Click Field, point to Name fields, and click First Name.

11. Under Condition, click doesn't contain, from the list.

12. In the Value box type Jane, then click Add to List.

13. Click Find Now.