How To Search For Files Using File name Only In Windows 7

Chris Nicola

New member
I have followed the instructions to search for files in Windows 7 but have found the process very slow and the results bring up lots of irrelevant files.

Find a file or folder

By comparison the search companion on XP was much faster and got more relevant results based on file name. If that didn't work there was the option of searching for text within the file.

For example I know inside a folder there is a sub folder with the file I am looking for and I know part of the name. Is there a way to make Win 7 search for results based only on the file name? In most cases that would be a lot simpler. Otherwise win 7 will look in the contents of the file which is a time waster.

Your thoughts woyuld be appreciated.

Kind Regards

Chris
 

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Have you done any system tweaking to alter the default behavior? I see several people complain about the search function, but to be honest, it puts Windows XP's to shame. I use it often to find files by name, and it works beautifully.
 

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Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
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Intel Core i7-2600
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Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3P-B3
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I have all my drives index linked for faster searching. I am using Win 7 32 bit with a duo core E5500 2.8 Ghz x2 and 3 Gbt Ram. I have no idea if I did anything in the past that might change default search behaviour. I did install something that allows folders to be moved around instead of the default grid positions. I also installed a psd file icon viewer that required some registry changes. I can't think of anything else.

Kind Regards

Chris
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Desktop Custom built, Laptop Lenovo G575 Model 20081
OS
Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
CPU
Desktop Intel i7 4790 CPU 3.6 GHz, Laptop AMD C-50 1GHz
Motherboard
ASUS H81 Gamer
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Desktop 16 Gbt, Laptop 4 Gbt
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Desktop nvidea GeForce NTX960, Laptop AMD Raedon HD 6250M
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Desktop onboard Realtec high definition audio nvidea HD aud
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BENQ G900 Digital 19 inch
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Seagate 4 Tbt SSHD
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Thermaltake 1000W
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A4 Tech optical wireless PS/2
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Can you explain the exact process and search strings you've used so far, the goal of the search, and the results you've gotten?
 

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No need for anything complicated. Just type what you're looking for. If it's in the file name, those results will be returned first, above any results where your search term is inside the file.
 

My Computer

OS
windows XP2 32 bit
This might help - http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/41607-search-file-names-only.html#post402130

You can search by just about whatever you want, using search filters. If you want to search by name, just go to the search box and use the name: filter, like this:

name:epson
Although listed as obsolete after Windows XP this page also states the filter "filename:" which also works but may be better. Many other filters listed as well.

And - http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/41607-search-file-names-only-2.html#post430861, READ FULL POST, don't recommend.
The setting is in Explorer, right click on drive properties, and under general tab, clear checkbox titled "Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties".

However
BTW by default W7 only searches contents in indexed locations and it is not recommended to index entire drives.
 
Last edited:

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Self built
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Thank you all for your comments. I have downloaded agent ransack recommended in one of the links and will try it out.

Agent Ransack - Free File Searching Utility

As an example of the problem I have been experiencing I might type in a simple expression in the search box like julia and end up with a never ending search with hundreds of irrelevant results including file types that have nothing to do with what I am searchihng for. I have no idea how to include filters in the search criteria. For example if I just want to search for jpg files or doc files what do I need to do?

Kind Regards

Chris
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Desktop Custom built, Laptop Lenovo G575 Model 20081
OS
Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
CPU
Desktop Intel i7 4790 CPU 3.6 GHz, Laptop AMD C-50 1GHz
Motherboard
ASUS H81 Gamer
Memory
Desktop 16 Gbt, Laptop 4 Gbt
Graphics Card(s)
Desktop nvidea GeForce NTX960, Laptop AMD Raedon HD 6250M
Sound Card
Desktop onboard Realtec high definition audio nvidea HD aud
Monitor(s) Displays
BENQ G900 Digital 19 inch
Screen Resolution
1024 x 768
Hard Drives
Silicon Power SSD SATA 3.0 450b Gbt
Seagate 4 Tbt SSHD
PSU
Thermaltake 1000W
Case
Thermaltake
Cooling
Onboard case fans
Keyboard
Standard PS/2
Mouse
A4 Tech optical wireless PS/2
Internet Speed
10 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Other Info
DVD Samsung TSST corp CDDVDW - SATA
Thanks for your thoughts.

As an example using the Win 7 search utility I typed in Julia in the start menu and got 3655 results. Admittedly for some reason this time it was very fast and took about 10-15 seconds. However, 95% of of the 3655 search results did not have julia in the file name and it would have taken me a long time to find what I was looking for.

I tried the agent ransack utility and it took 4 and a half minutes and got 177 results and it was much easier to find what I was looking for.

Then I installed the Everything search utility and was blown away with its speed. The first time it ran it took about 10 to 15 seconds to do the initial search or index the drive or whatever. After that it ran like lightning. I typed in Julia and it searched my entire computer and got 119 results which was just what I was looking for in less than one second. I tried various other words and as soon as I had typed the last letter of the word all the results were there instantly. I am definitely keeping this programme.

I suspect though that I still need to learn how to get the best results from the Windows 7 search utility. I don't know if its possible to search using file name only or apply filters to the search.

Kind Regards

Chris
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Desktop Custom built, Laptop Lenovo G575 Model 20081
OS
Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
CPU
Desktop Intel i7 4790 CPU 3.6 GHz, Laptop AMD C-50 1GHz
Motherboard
ASUS H81 Gamer
Memory
Desktop 16 Gbt, Laptop 4 Gbt
Graphics Card(s)
Desktop nvidea GeForce NTX960, Laptop AMD Raedon HD 6250M
Sound Card
Desktop onboard Realtec high definition audio nvidea HD aud
Monitor(s) Displays
BENQ G900 Digital 19 inch
Screen Resolution
1024 x 768
Hard Drives
Silicon Power SSD SATA 3.0 450b Gbt
Seagate 4 Tbt SSHD
PSU
Thermaltake 1000W
Case
Thermaltake
Cooling
Onboard case fans
Keyboard
Standard PS/2
Mouse
A4 Tech optical wireless PS/2
Internet Speed
10 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Other Info
DVD Samsung TSST corp CDDVDW - SATA
The links I provided tell you how to do what you're looking to do in Windows 7 search.

In short, by default you're probably set up to index both file name, contents, and properties. Therefore, the easiest way to search just based on the filename is "filename:Julia". This is explained in the second link I provided.
 

My Computer

OS
XP / Win7 x64 Pro
CPU
Intel Quad-Core Q9450 @ 3.2GHz
Motherboard
Asus P5-E
Memory
2x2GB GSkill DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS (EVGA)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell 2408WFP
Screen Resolution
1920x1200
Thank you all for your comments. I have downloaded agent ransack recommended in one of the links and will try it out.

Agent Ransack - Free File Searching Utility

As an example of the problem I have been experiencing I might type in a simple expression in the search box like julia and end up with a never ending search with hundreds of irrelevant results including file types that have nothing to do with what I am searchihng for. I have no idea how to include filters in the search criteria. For example if I just want to search for jpg files or doc files what do I need to do?

Kind Regards

Chris
I highly recommend Agent Ransack / FileLocator Lite. It is my default search engine & I use it all the time. It's unindexed, fast, and can do content string searches for a wide range of file formats. There is nothing wrong with 3rd party software if it does the job.
 

My Computer

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PC/Desktop
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Own build
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Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
CPU
Intel i7 2600k
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ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe
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G.Skill Ripjaws (DDR3-1600) 2x4GB
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Nvidia GeForce GTS 450; Intel HD Graphics 3000(GT2+)
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Dell Ultrasharp IPS panel U2311H, Samsung SyncMaster P2350
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1920x1080
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Samsung 850 Pro SSD 256GB, Samsung SSD 840 120GB, Seagates 1TB Barracuda ST31000528AS x2
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Seasonic M12II 520W
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Lian Li Lancool PC-K60
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Case: 1x120mm, 3x140mm CPU: Hyper 212+
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Logitech MK520 (wireless)
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Logitech MK520
Internet Speed
6-7 Mbps
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Norton Security Premium, Malwarebytes on 2 (MSE on 3rd PC)
Browser
FireFox
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Audio: Logitech Z523 2.1
Nothing wrong with using third party software at all if it does the job. Just as you can check your oil by removing the filler cap and reaching in with a probe, it's just as easily done with the built-in tool for the job - the dipstick. Some just prefer using something else. While using a separate tool isn't necessarily right or wrong, it's good practice to at least inform people of the tool(s) already present that fulfill the particular task in question. Then, they can decide whether a third party tool is really needed. Just telling them to download another tool to perform the search doesn't help the OP figure out why his searches aren't working in Windows 7, as they're trying to do.

In this very simple case, Windows Search is more than capable enough of finding files just based on the filename. So, another tool isn't needed to perform this search, but may obviously still be used if preferred for ancillary reasons. It's just unfortunate that so often in threads involving search so many people are quick to refer third party software which doesn't actually address the OP's question or needs, rather it just serves the posters' own personal (and often incorrect) bias against the built-in search for whatever reasons.
 

My Computer

OS
XP / Win7 x64 Pro
CPU
Intel Quad-Core Q9450 @ 3.2GHz
Motherboard
Asus P5-E
Memory
2x2GB GSkill DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS (EVGA)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell 2408WFP
Screen Resolution
1920x1200
I take your point, but as an example I still use Windows imaging while others absolutely hate it. I don't argue the point and say try a 3rd party app (eg. Macrium) and if you like it better then use it.

I personally had problems with Windows Search and think the 3rd party app I referred to is very reliable and has a very good user interface which can be used from novice to experienced user.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Own build
OS
Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
CPU
Intel i7 2600k
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe
Memory
G.Skill Ripjaws (DDR3-1600) 2x4GB
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GeForce GTS 450; Intel HD Graphics 3000(GT2+)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp IPS panel U2311H, Samsung SyncMaster P2350
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro SSD 256GB, Samsung SSD 840 120GB, Seagates 1TB Barracuda ST31000528AS x2
PSU
Seasonic M12II 520W
Case
Lian Li Lancool PC-K60
Cooling
Case: 1x120mm, 3x140mm CPU: Hyper 212+
Keyboard
Logitech MK520 (wireless)
Mouse
Logitech MK520
Internet Speed
6-7 Mbps
Antivirus
Norton Security Premium, Malwarebytes on 2 (MSE on 3rd PC)
Browser
FireFox
Other Info
Audio: Logitech Z523 2.1
i for one absolutely love the windows 7 search feature, when i'm dj'ing live my software is full screen, if theres a file that i havent yet analysed i just tap the windows button, it jumps out of full screen for me to search. I guess its more downt to knowing exactly what you have on your computer and roughly where it is
 

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hp g62-450sa Laptop
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MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
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hp 1425
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Synaptics PS/2 Port TouchPad
Thanks for the help. I looked at this link ansd typed index in the start menu search to bring up the indexing options:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/129437-windows-search-configure-use.html

However I still can't understand how to configure the search based on file name only. The modify button can change search locations. The advanced button can exclude some file types. The advanced button under file types has the option either to index properties only or index properties and file contents. At the moment its set to the default to index properties only and still does not search based on file name only. When I search for Julia with this setting 95% of the thousands of results results are not based on the file name only. Is there a solution?

Kind Regards

Chris
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Desktop Custom built, Laptop Lenovo G575 Model 20081
OS
Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
CPU
Desktop Intel i7 4790 CPU 3.6 GHz, Laptop AMD C-50 1GHz
Motherboard
ASUS H81 Gamer
Memory
Desktop 16 Gbt, Laptop 4 Gbt
Graphics Card(s)
Desktop nvidea GeForce NTX960, Laptop AMD Raedon HD 6250M
Sound Card
Desktop onboard Realtec high definition audio nvidea HD aud
Monitor(s) Displays
BENQ G900 Digital 19 inch
Screen Resolution
1024 x 768
Hard Drives
Silicon Power SSD SATA 3.0 450b Gbt
Seagate 4 Tbt SSHD
PSU
Thermaltake 1000W
Case
Thermaltake
Cooling
Onboard case fans
Keyboard
Standard PS/2
Mouse
A4 Tech optical wireless PS/2
Internet Speed
10 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Other Info
DVD Samsung TSST corp CDDVDW - SATA
Using filters is easy. Try this type

filename:Julia

for all jpgs - *.jpg or ext:jpg

Also in a explorer window type kind:
then select a kind from the list
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self built
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.5GHz (3.77GHz OC)
Motherboard
Asus P5Q-E
Memory
Corsair 4GB DDR2 (4x1GB CM2X1024-6400C4)
Graphics Card(s)
Palit GeForce GTS 250 (1024MB)
Sound Card
On Board (ADI AD2000B 8ch HD)
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung 32in LCD TV
Screen Resolution
1360x768
Hard Drives
2 x 1TB Samsung 103SJ (Raid0)
2 x External 500GB Samsung 502IJ (NexStar 3 HD Enclosures)
PSU
550W Antec Neo HE 550
Case
Antec P180
Cooling
Xigmatex Red Scorpion CPU Cooler. 3x120mm Fans
Keyboard
Logitech MX5000 Laser (Combo)
Mouse
Logitech MX5000 Laser (Combo)
Internet Speed
ADSL2+ (avg 10 Mbps Down, 0.80 Mbps up)
Other Info
Gigabyte GN-WP01GS 54g Wireless Lan Card
Duzzy, thanks for this tip. However I am not sure how to do this. I notice in a typical explorer window there is the option of typing the file name and the only filters that seem to be available are date modified and size, there does not seem to be any option to filter file types or searching by file name without the contents.

By typing index in the start/search box the indexing options come up and one can select file types there. Does one have to change the global indexing options, then go to explorer to search for jpg files, then after the search is over return the global indexing options back to default? There should be an easier way to do this.

Kind Regards

Chris
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Desktop Custom built, Laptop Lenovo G575 Model 20081
OS
Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
CPU
Desktop Intel i7 4790 CPU 3.6 GHz, Laptop AMD C-50 1GHz
Motherboard
ASUS H81 Gamer
Memory
Desktop 16 Gbt, Laptop 4 Gbt
Graphics Card(s)
Desktop nvidea GeForce NTX960, Laptop AMD Raedon HD 6250M
Sound Card
Desktop onboard Realtec high definition audio nvidea HD aud
Monitor(s) Displays
BENQ G900 Digital 19 inch
Screen Resolution
1024 x 768
Hard Drives
Silicon Power SSD SATA 3.0 450b Gbt
Seagate 4 Tbt SSHD
PSU
Thermaltake 1000W
Case
Thermaltake
Cooling
Onboard case fans
Keyboard
Standard PS/2
Mouse
A4 Tech optical wireless PS/2
Internet Speed
10 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Other Info
DVD Samsung TSST corp CDDVDW - SATA
You can see more options (in the Libraries) if you expand the search box.

  • Place the mouse pointer between the "Address Bar" and "Search Box".
  • Press and hold the left mouse button.
  • Drag the pointer to the left.
You should now see more options in the "Search Box" drop down option list.
 

My Computer

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PC/Desktop
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n/a
OS
W7 Ultimate SP1, LM19.2 MATE, W10 Home 1703, W10 Pro 1703 VM, #All 64 bit
CPU
AMD Phenom II x6 1100T, 3.3 GHz
Motherboard
ASUS M4A88T-M/USB3 (AM3)
Memory
12GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill (4GB x 2), G-Skill (2GB x 2)
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
Sound Card
Realtek?
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung S23B350
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
WD Green 2TB (SATA), WD Green 3TB (SATA), WD Blue 4TB (SATA), WD Blue 6TB (SATA)
PSU
Cooler Master
Case
Antec GX300 Tower
Cooling
3x Antec TRICOOL 120mm Fans
Mouse
Wired Optical
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DSL
Antivirus
Avast
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Pale Moon (64 bit)
Other Info
2018-12-27 Upgraded HDDs
2015-12-10 Upgraded case, graphics card, storage
2015-08-15 Upgraded motherboard & RAM
2015-07-15 Upgraded LM17.1 to LM17.2
Thanks for this. I tried but can still only see the two basic options of date modified and size. How would I add other filters to the list?

Kind Regards

Chris
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Desktop Custom built, Laptop Lenovo G575 Model 20081
OS
Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
CPU
Desktop Intel i7 4790 CPU 3.6 GHz, Laptop AMD C-50 1GHz
Motherboard
ASUS H81 Gamer
Memory
Desktop 16 Gbt, Laptop 4 Gbt
Graphics Card(s)
Desktop nvidea GeForce NTX960, Laptop AMD Raedon HD 6250M
Sound Card
Desktop onboard Realtec high definition audio nvidea HD aud
Monitor(s) Displays
BENQ G900 Digital 19 inch
Screen Resolution
1024 x 768
Hard Drives
Silicon Power SSD SATA 3.0 450b Gbt
Seagate 4 Tbt SSHD
PSU
Thermaltake 1000W
Case
Thermaltake
Cooling
Onboard case fans
Keyboard
Standard PS/2
Mouse
A4 Tech optical wireless PS/2
Internet Speed
10 Mbps
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Other Info
DVD Samsung TSST corp CDDVDW - SATA
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