Have you checked the box Run Search on Server?

Thanks for the answer, it fixed my problem. What exactly does Run Search on Server do? Whose server is it?

Ther server is where your e-mail service provider (Google, Microsoft, Apple, Comcast, Spectrum, et al.) provides your e-mail service and stores your messages.

Scooter, Thanks for that. Do you know how long messages are kept on the server? Why do I have to use the server to search message bodies in my Deleted folder but not in my Inbox? Alan.

If the account is IMAP, the messages will stay there as long as you leave them there. If the account is POP, I do not know because I have not used a POP account in more than twenty years.

I do not know why you had to search the server. I thought that your "Deleted" folder may not have been marked in to be included in global search (right-click - properties), but I cannot reproduce your problem that way.

I suspect that sfhowes and others know more.

Scooter, Thanks for that. I tried included in global search but it made no difference, Alan.

Scooter, Thanks for that. I tried included in global search but it made no difference, Alan.

The folder has to either marked for offline use or searches have to be done on the server. You will also probably want to include this when getting new messages otherwise the content of the folder is not checked unless you select the folder (default for trash/deleted and junk/spam

You will find al the setting in the right click folder, select properties dialog on the General and the Synchronization tabs

Matt, Thanks for that. Under Synchronisation I've selected 'Select this folder for offline use' and I am now offered the option to search message bodies when not searching on the server (so I'm happy). I must confess I find the whole business baffling, Alan.