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Windows 7: Searching for specific text that contains multiple "."s

26 Feb 2010   #1

W7
 
 
Searching for specific text that contains multiple "."s

I am having trouble getting Windows 7 to accurately report exact searches for text containing multiple periods (i.e., "x.01.001" format). I need the system to report ALL documents in a specified directory that contain the exact text input but I'm finding that windows is reporting documents with only partial matches (i.e., y.01.001 or z.01.001).

I am using "" around the specific text and have the following folder options selected in the search tab:
* Always search file names and contents (this might take several minutes)
* Include subfolders in search results when searching in file folders
* Don't use the index when searching in file folders or system files (searches may take longer)
* Include system directories

Can anyone please help me choose the right filter settings or modify my input commands to get a more accurate response?

My System SpecsSystem Spec

26 Feb 2010   #2
Dom

Windows Seven Home Premium SP1
I Live At Home
 
 

You just need to uncheck one option -

In start menu search , type in

Folder Options

and press enter.
Navigate to the 'Search' tab.
In there is a checkbox saying 'Find partial matches'. Uncheck this.

This should bring up exact results of what you were looking for.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
15 Mar 2010   #3

W7
 
 

Of course! I must have looked at that a dozen times...thanks for your help!
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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15 Mar 2010   #4
Dom

Windows Seven Home Premium SP1
I Live At Home
 
 

Don't worry, some of the problems I have lead to me not looking at options properly!
Glad its sorted

Oh, almost forgot, Welcome to Sevenforums!
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08 Apr 2010   #5

W7
 
 

Thanks again - I made the correction and it has helped a lot.

The search tool is still reporting 'extra' documents though. For example, I entered "QP.01.020" and got back documents with "QA.01.020" and "QP.01.010". All of the documents with exact text were found (which is great!) but I have to open all of the documents individually and manually filter those that only have partial matches.

Unfortunately, the "X.##.###" numbering format is used for all of our company document names and has been too widely distributed to easily change (otherwise I would just simplify it and move on!).
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08 Apr 2010   #6
Dom

Windows Seven Home Premium SP1
I Live At Home
 
 

Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by JBallew View Post
Thanks again - I made the correction and it has helped a lot.

The search tool is still reporting 'extra' documents though. For example, I entered "QP.01.020" and got back documents with "QA.01.020" and "QP.01.010". All of the documents with exact text were found (which is great!) but I have to open all of the documents individually and manually filter those that only have partial matches.

Unfortunately, the "X.##.###" numbering format is used for all of our company document names and has been too widely distributed to easily change (otherwise I would just simplify it and move on!).
I think that is the most you can get out of the search, unless someone else suggests something.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
10 Jul 2010   #7

Windows 7
Florida, USA
 
 

Perhaps the following might help:

1. Open the "Indexing Options" Control Panel
(if you don't see it listed, change the view by "category" to view by "small icons")
2. Click the "Advanced" button near the bottom
3. Check "Treat similar words with diacritics as different words"
My System SpecsSystem Spec
11 Jul 2010   #8
Dom

Windows Seven Home Premium SP1
I Live At Home
 
 

I have forgotten about this thread

Another way to get exact filenames is by putting asterisks and qoutation marks around the search word, with the word 'filename:' before it.
For example,

filename:"*y.01.001*".

Let me know if this works.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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