Searching for files in Explorer


  1. Posts : 39
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiproc; build: 7601 Multiprocessor Free
       #1

    Searching for files in Explorer


    While I like Google Desktop often I need to find files by name. I don't think that's possible with Google Desktop (is it? I've tried to find search terms but apart from filetype: I don't find any). Anyway, if I go to DOS in a particular directory and type: dir filename, it comes back instantly. if I go to Gmail and click on the attachment icon and get a Find File dialog box, it also works instantly.

    But I go to Explorer and type the name in the search box at the top in the same directory, it takes quite a long time, 10-30x as slow.

    Is there something I'm doing wrong?

    RON
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    When you do a search, if its not indexed a row will appear stating that searches might be slow in non indexed locations. Have you seen that? If you want to be able to search quickly, add it to the index.

    Index - Rebuild

    Index Locations - Add or Remove

    Search - Have More Accurate Search Results

    Windows Search - Configure and Use
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,346
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #3

    RC5000 said:
    While I like Google Desktop often I need to find files by name. I don't think that's possible with Google Desktop (is it? I've tried to find search terms but apart from filetype: I don't find any). Anyway, if I go to DOS in a particular directory and type: dir filename, it comes back instantly. if I go to Gmail and click on the attachment icon and get a Find File dialog box, it also works instantly.

    But I go to Explorer and type the name in the search box at the top in the same directory, it takes quite a long time, 10-30x as slow.

    Is there something I'm doing wrong?

    RON
    I use Agent Ransack for searches and find it a better choice than the built-in search. It's free and can be downloaded from;

    Agent Ransack - Free File Searching Utility

    Obviously, this is a personal choice.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 39
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiproc; build: 7601 Multiprocessor Free
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Appreciate the help with indexing. I am a little puzzled by it. I cannot get rid of Outlook, which I don't have. I have a K drive but it's just a backup. I have other drives but they don't appear. When I click on Show All Locations, again, only the K: drive appears. Weird, to me. And Outlook, what's that about? I mean, why is that included? I'm reindexing things. We'll see if that helps. I might also try a third party app, as, to me, Microsoft really didn't do a good job, unless I'm missing something.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Searching for files in Explorer-image1.jpg  
      My Computer


  5. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #5

    I've been using Agent Ransack/ alias File Locator Lite for years. A terrific search engine IMO. It isn't an indexed search but speed isn't an issue on a modern PC. An advantage is a corrupt index won't affect your search.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 39
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiproc; build: 7601 Multiprocessor Free
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks for the info on Agent Ransack. I'm going to try it out and skip what, to me, seems like a very crippled search engine (Windows).
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #7

    Post here what you think of Agent Ransack. For more detailed and personal search try getRummage.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 194
    Windows 10 x64
       #8

    Everyone has their fav's ... while we're all suggesting try FileSearchEX ... or Vod Everthng.
      My Computer


 

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