How do I use 'Search'?

Thanks for the reply - I'll have to look at this tomorrow now, and I'll post back then. But the indexing of my C:\ drive is complete, yes (and that's where the file I was looking for is).

Martin

martinlest said:

Why Microsoft felt the need to change what was a good search feature in XP is beyond me...

Again, it's been said a thousand times, but it hasn't stuck. When a feature doesn't work as expected on one computer, for one person...it is hardly the fault of Microsoft. If none of us could get search working, then your comment would apply. If you drive a Honda, and drive it into a tree....is Honda to blame? Let's use common sense here.

The file should be found..yes, we all agree. However, if it is not for you...find out why for you. Likely...there's a setting change, or a third-party app that is causing an issue. Since it was a new install, the first thing I'd do is reinstall clean...and then test the search right away.

As an FYI, it shouldn't need to be said anymore either, but this is why a person should never enter the license key in during the install. Always give yourself the 30 days to make sure everything is working properly. I'm not accusing you of this, I'm mentioning it for anyone reading.

I have done over 100 installs of Windows 7 so far, and not one person has had an issue with the search not working. There have been a number of resolutions to threads just like this. If it was me, I'd prefer to solve the issue, rather than band-aid it.

DeaconFrost said:

martinlest said:

Why Microsoft felt the need to change what was a good search feature in XP is beyond me...

Again, it's been said a thousand times, but it hasn't stuck. When a feature doesn't work as expected on one computer, for one person...it is hardly the fault of Microsoft. If none of us could get search working, then your comment would apply.

Of course, it's not just one person who is complaining about search, nor are all complaints from unskilled newbies. There are numerous complaints, enough to understand that if there is not an inherent problem in Search itself, then certainly in the targeted market's inability to understand its use, which is a problem.

Reading some of the many threads on the topic, however, reveal that even those who properly apply AQS are having issues. It seems that Search has consistency issues across different machines.

Your speculation that it is a 3rd party app or setting change, etc. is valid, but surely is only that...speculation. And certainly, these theories apply in some cases, but not all. And, given the number of complaints, wouldn’t this indicate a widespread compatibility issue?

One problem with Search, IMO, is that MS has made it too complicated for the average, non-power user, and I believe that there are other issues as well (that I have experienced firsthand, as you may remember from other threads).

It's been written that MS recognizes the problems and complexities of Search, knew this beforehand and consider it a work in progress. Can't blame them for that. I happen to fall outside of the groups you name...I don't blame MS (I'm actually one of the faithful). I'm just a guy who has been testing, using & building technology systems and networks for many years in my business and just because I enjoy it. And, I have problems with Win7 search. Even though recent info has resulted in improvements, accuracy of returns is not consistent (here).

I guess the point is that just because a segment of users don’t experience problems doesn't mean that others don’t, or that their complaints are invalid. Sometimes, it is the Honda's fault. Or the road’s fault. Or the weather, or…


James

periboob said:

But you should not imply that the OP is the only one with "search" issues in Windows7.

No one implied it was just one individual, unless you shut your brain off and assume I'm an idiot. It shouldn't need to be spelled out, but the point is, when you encounter an error or issue on your computer, you should have the ability to figure out if the problem is unique to your setup (issue, any number of culprits) or if the problem exists for everyone (bug, blame lies at the developer). That's just common sense.

If you have a flat tire, who's fault is it? Could be the driver, could be road debris, could be the tire manufacturer. If everyone with that model tire had a flat...it becomes clear who's to blame.

Imperfect1 said:

A number of posters have recommended Agent Ransack - Free File Searching Utility - a free 64 bit Windows 7 file searcher - Apparently it's very good, very fast and is similar to XP's search. However Agent Ransack was designed as a power tool and is not as user friendly or easy to use as some others. Your NirSoft app may be a bit easier to use.

This great program is now known as FileLocator Lite which is free. The commercial world use FileLocator Pro.
One of the good things is you can use it effectively at a number of levels of complexity. Even with the "Expert User" box ticked it is quite intuitive when using the basic features. Start using some of the Boolean search to get even more powerful searches. But you don't need to bother with this "geeky" stuff if you don't want to.
At the other extreme untick the "Expert User" box and you get a search wizard.

I'm still reading through the various links: I see that, unlike XP, Win7 search will not find anything in unindexed folders.

For now (and probably for the future too) I use a programme called 'search My Files' which is fast, customisable and thorough (and free). I've pinned a shortcut to it on my taskbar so I probably have no need to use Win7 search at all (but I will read all the links people have posted here, out of interest). Yes, possible that once I get used to the Win7 Search function, I will use it again, but I agree with James that it is not intuitive at all for someone fairly new to Win7 - and to be honest I consider myself anything but a PC software beginner: I am involved in programming and there is very little now 'under the hood' of WinXP that I am not able to fix or modify.

Thanks again for the input,

Martin