Windows 7: Whatever happened to Search?

This is easier , faster and doesn't spend ages indexing ( it only searches for whole or part filenames, or extensions - not file contents)

Everything Search Engine

Add in that searching from C: requires additional effort to search more than just C:\ and MS is really ceding the high ground in search, even in its own flagship offering. They still don't get it.

i don't think the issue is rather files / folder are or are not indexed. the fact of the matter rather files are indexed or not search should find them. granted indexed files / folders should searched first by the os, and then the non indexed files / folds searched. if i am looking for a file that i know i have 7 should find it. i have noticed quite a few times in 7 indexed and non indexed files not being found by search, and ended up manually searching for them. vista always found the file i was looking for. plus you have the fact that indexing is more for people who search their system a lot. i keep mind quite organized and rarely have to do a search, so i do not have a need to index everything for search as it eats resources big time.

I wish i can get the XP search back .. I really like that ..

Unable to Connect to Host is refering to your Host file
Check whether it has right Host IP

Go To
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc there Host open with Notepad and the Last line should say
127.0.0.1 localhost

I should note, that while it takes more that one click, it's still possible to search from the start menu. I use search rarely, but if do I simply type what I'm searching for in the start menu search box. Then an explorer window pops up with search results. Indeed, the results would only come from indexed locations. However, these results - or lack thereof - take only seconds to appear. Then I click on the Custom link which brings me to the advanced search where I can specify the locations to be searched. These should not necessarily be indexed. This works rather well for me, but basically I am just not used to using the explorer own search box. But at least it finds what I want it to find. I can't remember any cases where I knew the file existed and the custom search would not find it.

Don't know as I agree. I do searches from the start menu for contents of my word docs on occasion and they are always found as long as I don't use too common keywords. Usually in just a few seconds. I do have everything indexed though.

agree. i have imgburn on my stystem, and i went to start menu search and it found imgburn.exe without any problem.

Could you tell me your search settings...this isn't working for me for some reason and I am on a fresh install

Press: "Windows Button" + 'f'

all i do if i have to search for something is navigate to the drive i believe the file is on and type the name in the search bar. if i get a prompt to index i do. in 7 i rarely go to the start menu search. so i really do nothing but use the basic search just as it was setup during the install of 7.