could this be it? mskb article 198089
OL2000: Outlook May Appear to Stop Responding When Browsing Files
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This article was previously published under Q198089
SYMPTOMS
If you use Microsoft Outlook to browse the files on your computer or network, Outlook may appear to stop responding (hang). This symptom is most apparent after you apply a filter that uses criteria set in the Advanced tab of the Filter dialog box. Outlook may take several minutes (such as 10 or more) to process the filter criteria.
CAUSE
The time used to filter files depends on several factors:
The specific condition and value that you set in the Filter dialog box.
The number of files in the folder you are browsing.
RESOLUTION
Use the Find command on the Start menu in Windows, rather than Outlook to search for files that meet specific criteria.
MORE INFORMATION
In Outlook, you can view or open files on your computer as well as on a network drive you are connected to. Click Other Shortcuts on the Outlook Bar and then click My Computer.
To apply a filter to your view, point to Current View, click Customize Current View and then click Filter.
Setting any criteria on the Advanced tab may take Outlook a long time to process.
