Searching email subject line for asterisk (*)

[Jim]

I have a system where my adiministrative assistant puts a double asterisk
(**) in the subject line of any e-mail message that she sends that needs my
attention. I have just discovered that I cannot search my Inbox for such
messages. I have tried searching for * and ** and have tried putting either
of the two asterisk characters in quotes (i.e., searching for "*" and
searching for "**") but nothing works. I presume that the problem is that an
asterisk is used as a wildcard in some situations. But, is there any way to
search for an asterisk?

Thanks.

 

[Polaris]

You did not specify the Outlook version you are using but finding ** in the
Subject line works as advertised in 2003.

 

[Jim]

Sorry -I forgot to include that detail - I'm using Outlook 2007.

Jim

 

[Polaris]

Ok! Try this: Tools->Instant Search->Advanced Search. Select Advanced Tab.
Under define more criteria, click Field btn. Under Freq. used flds, All mail
flds, All post flds, etc.,(any one that lists Subject) select Subject. Click
Condition and select (is exactly). For value type ** and click Add to list
then click Find Now. This should give you what you want.

 

[Jim]

It works, Polaris!!! You're a genius.

It's unfortunate that the geniuses at Microsoft made it this dificult, but
thank you!!!