In Outlook, what should I do if I can't see all of my messages?

When viewing a folder in Outlook, a filter applied to the folder may prevent you from seeing some of your messages.

First, verify that you are missing messages by using Outlook Web App (OWA) to see how many messages are in the folder. See What is Outlook Web App (OWA)?

If you have messages that don't appear in the folder while using OWA, you may want to see if the messages have been deleted. Check the Deleted Items folder first. If the Deleted Items folder has been emptied, try recovering the deleted items. See In Outlook for Windows, how can I recover deleted items if I am an IU Exchange user?

If all messages are visible when you are using OWA, it's likely that a filter is being applied to the folder in Outlook. You can check two places to see if a filter is enabled on the folder in which you're working. First, look in the upper right, just under the toolbar. The words "(Filter Applied)" will appear here. You can also check the lower left of the window, where Outlook displays the number of items in the folder; if a filter is applied, this number may not match the number of items displayed.

In Office 2010, to disable the filter:

1. Make sure you are in the folder with a filter.
   
   
2. In the Ribbon, click the View tab. Then, click View Settings.
   
   
3. If it says "Off" next to the Filter button, no filter is enabled, and there is another reason you can't see all your messages.

   If it says anything other than "Off", click Filter. Click Clear All, and then click OK.

4. It should now say "Off" beside the Filter button. Click OK and all your messages will be displayed.

In Office 2007 and earlier, to disable the filter:

1. Make sure you are in the folder with a filter.
   
   
2. In Office 2007, from the View menu, choose Current View.

   In Office 2003 and earlier, from the View menu, choose Arrange by, and then Current View.

3. If anything besides Messages is checked, click Messages. This is the default view for a message folder; selecting this view if it is not already selected may enable you to see all of your messages. If Messages is checked, a custom filter is in place. To turn the filter off:
   
   
   1. In Office 2007, from the View menu, choose Current View, and then click Customize Current View.

      In Office 2003 and earlier, from the View menu, choose Arrange by, then Current View, and then Customize Current View.

   2. If it says "Off" next to the Filter button, no filter is enabled, and there is another reason you can't see all your messages.

      If it says anything other than "Off", click Filter. Click Clear All, and then click OK.

   3. It should now say "Off" beside the Filter button. Click OK, and all your messages will be displayed.

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