Tip 1053: Create a Search folder to find older messages

An Outlook user wanted to know how to create a custom search folder.

I need a search folder which displays large e-mails received more than 3 months ago. I know how to find bulk e-mails, but what about old e-mails? I tried to filter using the "received" field, but there are no standard conditions that meet my purpose. I don't need "last week" or "last month" and while "on or before" seems like it should be the right choice, how do I tell it to use "current date minus 3 months"? I tried using DateAdd("d", -90, Date) in the criteria value field, but is doesn't work. Can I use VBA in these filters?

No, you can't use VBA functions, but you don't really need to because you can use something easier: natural language. You can use phrases like "3 months ago" or "2 weeks from now" in filters. You can enter simple equations, such as now + 3w, but you can't use the minus sign, you'll use before or ago for negatives. (Now + 3w would not be useful in a search folder, but works well in filters for Tasks and Calendar.)

You will need to create the date filter on the Advanced tab, not using the Received date field on the Messages tab.

Type Received into the Field box (or select it from the menu), select on or before as the condition then type "3 months ago" in the Value field. Click Add to List to save this criteria.