OL98: "Doesn't Contain" in Find May Give Unexpected Results

ID: Q181551


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Outlook 98


SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Outlook, 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 may include those values you intended to exclude.


RESOLUTION

To get the results you want, use one of the following methods.

Use AND Criteria

Set the search criteria using the following example:
  1. In the Contacts folder, on the Tools menu, click Advanced Find and click the Advanced tab.


  2. Click Field, point to Name Fields, and click First Name.


  3. Under Condition, click Doesn't Contain.


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


  5. Click Find Now.


With this search criteria, Outlook assumes an AND function between the names, excluding contacts that contain John AND contacts that contain Jane.

Use a Category Field

Assign a category to each Contact, and use the category name in the Doesn't Contain field.

To assign a category, follow these steps:
  1. On the Go menu, click Contacts.


  2. On the Actions menu, click New Contact.


  3. Type the pertinent information for the person, and click Categories at the bottom of the Contact form.


  4. Click to select the Category name you want. To create a new Category, in "Item(s) belong to these categories," type your new Category name, click Add To list, click OK, and click Save And Close.


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


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


  7. Under Condition, click Doesn't Contain.


  8. In the Value box, type the Category name, and click Add To List.


  9. Click Find Now.



MORE INFORMATION

Additional query words: identical exclude sort Boolean

Keywords : GnlCont
Version : WINDOWS:
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb


Last Reviewed: January 10, 2000
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