Errors in MS Outlook are not new, and there is a long list of them that occur due to various reasons. However, the one related to Outlook search is not working is the most annoying. This not only hamper the search operation but also delay the work commitments extensively.
“Something went wrong, and your search Couldn’t Be Completed” is an error message in MS Outlook that mainly appears while trying to search for something within Outlook. Thankfully, Microsoft addresses every issue by providing some inbuilt utilities like Outlook search repair tool and other troubleshooting kit to ensure that the users can resolve minor bugs. Nevertheless, if you are unable to fix it then we’ll help you understand the causes, consequences, and remedies to solve this issue efficiently.
What is Something Went Wrong and Your Search Couldn’t Be Completed Error in Outlook?
The “Something Went Wrong and Your Search Couldn’t Be Completed” error in Outlook indicates a disruption in the search functionality, preventing users from effectively searching for emails, contacts, or other data. This error can arise due to indexing issues, corrupted Outlook profiles, third-party add-in conflicts, outdated software versions, or network connectivity problems may lead to reduced productivity, frustration, and missed important emails. Let us understand the causes and fixes in detail to rectify the issue quickly.
What are the Common Causes of the Error?
The below-listed causes are some of the very obvious reasons which you may have heard about. However, there could be many other explanations for this error to appear, which can only be figured out if you strike out the below-mentioned possibilities:
Indexing Issues: Outlook relies on indexing to quickly search through emails, contacts, and other data. If the indexing process encounters errors or is incomplete, it can trigger the search error. You may also get Outlook is currently indexing your items never finishes error; if indexing fails to work.
Corrupted Outlook Profile: A corrupted user profile can lead to various errors in Outlook, including search-related issues. You can try to create a new Outlook profile and see if that fixes the issue.
Third-party Add-Ins: Sometimes, third-party add-ins or extensions installed in Outlook can conflict with its functionality, causing search errors.
Outlook Version Compatibility: Using an outdated version of Outlook may result in compatibility issues with the operating system or other software components, leading to search errors.
Network Connection Problems: Poor or unstable network connectivity can also disrupt Outlook’s search functionality, resulting in various error messages.
How to Fix Something Went Wrong and Your Search Couldn’t Be Completed in Outlook Error?
Rebuild Outlook Index: You can rebuild the Outlook search index to resolve the error if it happening through the indexing issues. It is a simple process that is provided by Outlook itself to overcome this problem.
Repair Outlook data file: If the error is due to a corrupt Outlook data file, then you must learn how to repair the data file using the Inbox repair tool. This is an inbuilt utility provided by Outlook to address the data file malfunction however, sometimes Inbox repair fails to respond and does not help you. In such scenarios, Outlook data file backup is important.
Disable Third-Party Add-Ins: You can easily disable the add-in by below steps and see if that impacts the error:
- Launch Outlook in Safe Mode by holding the CTRL key while opening the application.
- Navigate to File > Options > Add-Ins.
- Disable all third-party add-ins and restart Outlook to see if the error persists.
Update Outlook: Ensure that you’re using the latest version of Outlook by checking for updates in the application settings. Install any available updates and patches to ensure compatibility with the operating system and other software components.
Associated Problems in Outlook Due to This Error – Consequences and Costs
Apart from the search-related issues, encountering the “Something Went Wrong and Your Search Couldn’t Be Completed” error in Outlook may also lead to:
- Slow performance and responsiveness.
- MS Outlook starts crashing and not responding
- Inability to access archived emails or attachments.
- Difficulty in organizing and managing mailbox content effectively.
- It may also lead to data loss due to lack of accessibility.
Conclusion: The “Something Went Wrong and Your Search Couldn’t Be Completed” error in Outlook can be a frustrating experience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it can be resolved effectively. By addressing the underlying causes, such as indexing issues, corrupted profiles, and compatibility issues, users can restore Outlook’s search functionality and regain productivity. Remember to follow the remedies outlined in this guide to overcome this error and ensure a seamless experience with Outlook.
