Searching files upon clicking Start button

Hi,

When I first installed Window's 7, I thought it was magnificent because it indexed all my files and applications including Window's own inbuilt apps like defragmentation of which I still only use the search to find it because I don't know where it is located.

Recently, I don't know what I've done but when I try to search for my Word files (.doc or docx), the search returns no results. Infact I've realised that the search only shows results of Window's Programs and control panel items???

How can I get Window's search to return all file results?

Thanks in advance.

Have a look at this - Improve Windows searches using the index: frequently asked questions. I'd say the easiest way is to add your files and folders to a library as everything in libraries are indexed.

Hope this helps!
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

Hi,

Both links were good read although I've checked my search settings and all are in the right order. It doesn't seem like anything has changed.

I liked the Start / search the way it was (as default). Is there an option to restore to factory default ?

BTW- my searches from the actual individual folders and its sub folders return the MS file results I seek. It is the search box that I use when I hit the start button on the bottom left corner that seems to be returning Window's Programs and control panel items only and no longer the WORD files or user created files.

Thanks

Kev

Thanks

Did you try adding your files and folders to libraries? If you do, I believe they should be showing up just in search from the start menu...

Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

Where do I add the files to the Libraries? Can you give me the steps pls.

From the methods mentioned earlier on this post the tweaks seems to be for individual folders and it's sub folders.

Where is the option to play around with the Search field once you click start?

Sorry for being so noob.

Someone else solved it in another forum- thought I'd share it here in case there are others that could do with it:

"""2 things to do

First click on your task bar and select properties then start menu tab and click customize and scroll down and select search public folders and search programs and control panel. then click ok and close windows

Now go to the start menu and click computer and click on orginize then folder and layout options. in this window you will see search option tab and make your relevent choices"""