Windows search always fails

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 126
    windows 7 pro
       #1

    Windows search always fails


    I am looking at file names in a folder and when I search for them, they don't pop up (but they're right there). Windows Search is ABYSMAL. If it can't find the files (that I am looking at and know and understand are in a certain directory), I will prob have to switch operating systems to ubuntu for most of my file management.

    I have the directory indexed. It's not that it takes a long time, it says the search for files are not there.

    Need solution (some 3rd party freeware app or something?) for better file/directory search. Search Everything I tried and didn't like.

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,346
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #2

    johntkucz said:
    I am looking at file names in a folder and when I search for them, they don't pop up (but they're right there). Windows Search is ABYSMAL. If it can't find the files (that I am looking at and know and understand are in a certain directory), I will prob have to switch operating systems to ubuntu for most of my file management.

    I have the directory indexed. It's not that it takes a long time, it says the search for files are not there.

    Need solution (some 3rd party freeware app or something?) for better file/directory search. Search Everything I tried and didn't like.

    Thanks.
    Try "Agent Ransack". It's free and is a great replacement for Windows search function. You can download either the 32 or 64 bit version from;

    http://mythicsoft.com/page.aspx?page=download&type=agentransack

    If you are skeptical about clicking links, search for "Agent Ransack" from "Mythicsoft".
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,814
    XP / Win7 x64 Pro
       #3

    There is no need for a third party application for this.

    What file types are you searching for? Are you sure the file types within the directory you are searching for are set to be indexed as well?

    Index - Add or Remove File Types

    If they're set to be indexed already and there are no other issues you can think of, you might try rebuilding the index and see if that works.

    Index - Rebuild
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,346
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #4

    FliGi7 said:
    There is no need for a third party application for this.

    What file types are you searching for? Are you sure the file types within the directory you are searching for are set to be indexed as well?

    Index - Add or Remove File Types

    If they're set to be indexed already and there are no other issues you can think of, you might try rebuilding the index and see if that works.

    Index - Rebuild
    Necessity isn't always the reason to use 3rd party software, many times a free application will provide a better solution; such as quickness, boolean ability, and other easy to use options to provide greater functionality. The search function in Windows, most any version, is kludgy.
    Last edited by Sir George; 01 Feb 2012 at 13:28. Reason: Poor formatting in my original post
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,814
    XP / Win7 x64 Pro
       #5

    How would a third party search app provide a better solution to this user's situation of searching in a folder for files? In an indexed location, Win7 search is as quick as it gets and includes boolean logic operators for searching as well. It sounds like you don't really know much of what Win7 search can do.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,346
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #6

    FliGi7 said:
    How would a third party search app provide a better solution to this user's situation of searching in a folder for files? In an indexed location, Win7 search is as quick as it gets and includes boolean logic operators for searching as well. It sounds like you don't really know much of what Win7 search can do.
    Ouch! My reply was not intended to be offensive to you. I find the search function in Windows 7 inadequate and initially used it quite a bit. I looked for a better alternative and thought perhaps the OP could benefit from my efforts.
    Last edited by Sir George; 01 Feb 2012 at 14:23. Reason: Just wanted more emphasis
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,814
    XP / Win7 x64 Pro
       #7

    I'm not offended in any way, I was just stating that Win7 isn't inadequate as you state. It actually does include the features you stated it to be missing, so your points are misleading to the OP.

    I am personally satisfied with it for my particular uses as I took the time to use it and learn all of its features instead of just assuming it couldn't do certain things because it didn't operate the same way I was used to in XP. Unfortunately, many others prefer to just add another piece of software and claim Win7 search can't do certain things when it's in fact just a lack of understanding and effort on their part.

    Edit: This isn't mean to personally attack you or anything of the sort. I know you're trying to help and offer suggestions. There is just an unfortunate perpetuation of fallacy that the built-in search can't do a lot of things that it actually can, which causes a lot of confusion, misleading, and extra questions on here that can better be resolved by better understanding Win7's search features and how to use them. If we start better teaching people how to use what they've got, they can better utilize the OS they paid for.
    Last edited by FliGi7; 01 Feb 2012 at 14:53.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,346
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #8

    FliGi7 said:
    I'm not offended in any way, I was just stating that Win7 isn't inadequate as you state. It actually does include the features you stated it to be missing, so your points are misleading to the OP.

    I am personally satisfied with it for my particular uses as I took the time to use it and learn all of its features instead of just assuming it couldn't do certain things because it didn't operate the same way I was used to in XP. Unfortunately, many others prefer to just add another piece of software and claim Win7 search can't do certain things when it's in fact just a lack of understanding and effort on their part.

    Edit: This isn't mean to personally attack you or anything of the sort. I know you're trying to help and offer suggestions. There is just an unfortunate perpetuation of fallacy that the built-in search can't do a lot of things that it actually can, which causes a lot of confusion, misleading, and extra questions on here that can better be resolved by better understanding Win7's search features and how to use them. If we start better teaching people how to use what they've got, they can better utilize the OS they paid for.
    I will respectively disgree with you that Windows 7 has nearly the ability of Agent Ransack's search functionality.
    Last edited by Sir George; 01 Feb 2012 at 15:02. Reason: Clarification
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,814
    XP / Win7 x64 Pro
       #9

    I don't know anything about Agent Ransack nor have I been talking about it. You're the only person comparing the two right now so you'll have to disagree with your own creation of comparison. I'm talking about Windows 7 search being able to find files in a directory without any problems, just as the OP was asking. The only reason we began talking about other software is because you suggested unnecessary software for this issue and stated fallacies about features that Win7 search didn't have, when in fact it does. If you'd like to create another thread to tout whatever third party search app you like over the built-in search, then please feel free, but this thread isn't about that.
      My Computer


  10. 4wd
    Posts : 337
    W7, W8.1
       #10

    FliGi7, op did show interest for alternatives, and should be given any information that may be useful, regarding both w7's search and the available options.
    johntkucz wrote:
    Need solution (some 3rd party freeware app or something?)
    johntkucz, if you do not feel at home with w7 search, or want a user interface that suits you better, trying Agent Ransack is good advice indeed. Good luck.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:59.
Find Us