Where is the read/unread field in Outlook 2010 custom search?

I am trying to create a custom search folder in outlook 2010. I am using the "advanced" tab in the "search folder criteria" dialog. One of the criteria I need is the read/unread status of an message. But the "field" dropdown does not contain a field corresponding to read/unread status (see screen shot below).

This is odd because the read/unread status is available in the "More Choices" tab, but seemingly not in the "advanced" tab.

How do I create an advanced search folder criteria which incorporates the read/unread status of a message?

enter image description here

Ken

Posted 2012-05-01T13:03:54.517

Reputation: 250

Answers

Just type (do not try to select) "Read" for the field name and select "Yes" or "No".

vel

Posted 2012-05-01T13:03:54.517

Reputation: 61

Works for me in Outlook 2010 Standard 32-bit. Thanks! – dunxd – 2015-03-25T13:25:58.167

This doesn't work in Professional Plus 2010. Have you had it work? – Roy Truelove – 2013-10-10T16:32:31.157

Works in Outlook 2013 – snowdude – 2014-02-25T12:42:42.117

In the "More Choices" tab the first checkbox is "only items that are" and you can choose between unread or read. This is how you filter to show only read or unread messages.

You can then apply further advanced search criteria in the Advanced tab if you wish.

AJP

Posted 2012-05-01T13:03:54.517

Reputation: 51

This is the best answer. I didn't realise that when I select options in "More Choices" they apply in addition to the options in "Advanced". – Kidburla – 2018-12-06T11:36:31.247

What you're looking for was possible on Outlook 2003 but not 2010. Seems to have been a step backwards by Microsoft. You can easily sort out the 'Unread' mails using the conventional Search Folders > Unread mail option but to get a detailed description as to why you can't sort read mail, look at this thread.

prrao

Posted 2012-05-01T13:03:54.517

Reputation: 1 007

I don't think it's a fundamental omission. They just changed the way to do this to the "More Choices" tab. I didn't previously realise that the "More Choices" options apply in addition to those on the "Advanced" tab. See https://superuser.com/a/475939/429254

– Kidburla – 2018-12-06T11:38:17.200

seems like a fundamental omission. – Ken – 2012-05-01T13:39:59.230

Yup, it does. Microsoft never fails to baffle. I'm using Outlook 2007 and can't figure out how to do this either. – prrao – 2012-05-01T13:45:53.020

Just found an answer for that if still relevant.

Similar to what the person above suggested, but just enter "Unread" for the field name and select "Yes" or "No".

Adam

Posted 2012-05-01T13:03:54.517

Reputation: 21

When I try to add Unread to query builder I get an error message saying the criteria is not valid. Read works. This is in Outlook 2010 Standard 32-bit. – dunxd – 2015-03-25T13:27:38.157

You have to use the SQL tab if you want to use unread/read as part of a filter. This is not available directly as a Search Folder filter, but you can associate a filtered View with a search folder that has no criteria, and it will work fine.

To find out what the SQL equivalent of "unread" or "read" is, just select that criteria on the "More Choices" tab, then switch to the SQL tab. You can then combine it with other criteria with OR or AND and brackets.

user988429

Posted 2012-05-01T13:03:54.517

Reputation: 1