Windows 7: Simple way to search non-indexed areas?

There are times when I have an external drive, or want to search system files but don't want to index them. Other times I know the file is where I am looking but for one reason or another it doesn't appear.

Isn't there a simple way to override the index file so I can search everywhere beneath the folder I am searching from?



I actually resorted to going into dos and typing:

dir *filename*.* /s

Which worked great and was the path of least resistance which is what I always try to do in situations like this but it would be nice not to have to resort to this.



Someone mentioned grep find but I am always affraid to install freeware programs for fear of spyware or worse.

Robert

Try Everything from voidtools.com.

It searches file names only. Near instantaneous. Freeware. No spyware.

Thanks, for the tip. I think I will give it a try.

Robert