Hidden files showing in searches


  1. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home x64
       #1

    Hidden files showing in searches


    First of all, excuse me if this is not the correct section to be posting in. Hello all.

    I have some files that I would like to be hidden as completely as possible. However, they still show up in my searches. Here's what I have done to hide them:

    I downloaded a script off the internet that automatically hides my folder when I enter a password. It uses attrib +s +h. So then the folder disappears until I enter the password again. Well I figured that was enough to hide everything, but when I search, they're still there. Yes, I have "don't show hidden files or directories" checked. I can search for the subfolder inside of it and the files. I rebuilt the index as well. So basically, everything that is hidden is showing in my searches and I have no idea why, it's making me really mad. Any help would be appreciated. thank you.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    Welcome
    Perhaps this excellent tutorial will help
    File and Folder - Hide or Unhide
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I figured out the problem.

    I moved the folder to a different location and used ATTRIB +h /s /d on it. I rebuilt the index and searched again. The search yielded results, however, they were in the OLD location. So I guess they are still cached, because they show up in the search even though they do not exist where search says they do. Any way to fix this?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Wow, I spoke to soon.

    I rebuilt the index and now when I search, the results come up, even after I used the attrib command to hide the folder. So basically hidden files and folders are still showing up in my search.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #5

    Here is an old thread you can look at that explains what settings are needed to search for hidden files.

    Most people are complaining because it is too difficult to get hidden files listed in search results.

    Search for hidden files and folders in Windows 7 - Microsoft Answers
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I have all of that followed (in reverse of course lol). I even moved the folder to AppData (hidden dir). It still shows in my searches. It's acting exactly like there's symbolic links to each of the files because even when I move them, they show up. Is there a more efficient way to clear your search index?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 13
    Windows 7 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Welp, I figured out that there was just shortcuts in the menu for some reason. Deleted them and solved.
      My Computer


 

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