Searching for Messages

Some forums may allow you to search their message archives. The basic search allows you to look for particular words used in a message. The advanced search allows you to specify the location of the words (in the message header, subject or body) or to exclude words.

Basic Search

1. In the left navigation bar, click My Forums or All Forums.
2. Select a forum.
3. In the left Navigation bar, click Search. If the forum allows searching of its archives, you are taken to the Search page.
4. Enter the word(s) you want to search for. You can separate words with a space or comma.
5. Click the Search button. If your search is successful, the next page shows you the results.

Advanced Search

1. In the left navigation bar, click My Forums or All Forums.
2. Select a forum.
3. In the left Navigation bar, click Search. If the forum allows searching of its archives, you are taken to the Search page.
4. Click the advanced search command.



5. 5. In the Search for box, type the word(s) you'd like to search for. You may separate words with a space or comma.
6. 6. Under Search for these words in, choose an option:
• entire message: anywhere in the message.
• body: In the message body (below the subject line).
• header: In the message header (includes information about the sender, the subject, etc.).
7. 7. Select whether you want messages with any or all of the words you've selected.
8. (Optional) In the Exclude box, type the word(s) you want to exclude. Messages that contain these words are not included in your search results.
9. Under Exclude messages with these words in, choose an option:
• entire message: anywhere in the message.
• body: In the message body (below the subject line).
• header: In the message header (includes information about the sender, the subject, etc.).
10. Click the Search button. If your search is successful, the next page shows you the results.

Advanced Search Example

Let's say you'd like to search for all messages about trains and trucks, but you'd like to exclude your own postings.

1. In the left navigation bar, click My Forums or All Forums.
2. Select a forum.
3. In the left Navigation bar, click Search.
4. Click the advanced search command.
5. In the Search for box, type the words you want to search for:(e.g. trains trucks)
6. Under Search for these words in, choose entire message for the location of the words you are searching for:
7. Select all to search for messages with both words (trains and trucks) in them.
8. In the Exclude box, type your email address.
9. Under Exclude messages with these words in, choose header. Since your email address appears in the header, your search excludes any messages sent by you,
10. Click the Search button. If your search is successful, the next page shows you the results.