Windows 7: 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.

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".

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.

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, Windows 7 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 Windows 7 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.

I'm not offended in any way, I was just stating that Windows 7 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 Windows 7 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 Windows 7'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.

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 Windows 7 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.

FliGi7, op did show interest for alternatives, and should be given any information that may be useful, regarding both Windows 7's search and the available options.
johntkucz wrote:
johntkucz, if you do not feel at home with Windows 7 search, or want a user interface that suits you better, trying Agent Ransack is good advice indeed. Good luck.