F3 search sucks

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  1. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #1

    F3 search sucks


    When I search via the F3 search window, the system does not find the item. When I use Start/Search, it finds it. And it was something simple, a picture from the Public Pictures folder.

    Anybody have an explanation for that.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 740
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #2

    When you search from start it searches everywhere, when you serch from F3 (or top right explorer) it searches only within the currently viewed location (Library by default) if you have the navigation pane enabled on the left, select the area you want to search there.

    Although I just tested it and found it working for a picture in the public library.
      My Computer


  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
    Thread Starter
       #3

    No, I did not search from an Explorer window. I searched from here:
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails F3 search sucks-2011-12-14_1640.png  
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 740
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #4

    Ah, F3 from desktop not F3 from explorer, using this I can only find items saved on the desktop.

    I suppose when you F3 from the desktop the search window opens with a "Start in: %Desktop%" shortcut switch.

    I don't know how to modify that switch to another location.
      My Computer


  5. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I guess you are right. The thing is useless for a general system wide search.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,305
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #6

    I always believed that F3 was to search within the current active window, be it Browser, Document, Explorer.

    e.g. pressing F3 in FireFox gives the search box at the bottom of the browser
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 740
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #7

    Yes, using F3 in application will (if available) allow you to search for anything within that window, Regedit springs to mind for this one!
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  8. Posts : 71,976
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #8

    Hello Wolfgang,

    Unfortunately, you will still need to select where you would like to search in the address bar. For a system wide search, you would need to select Computer in the address bar. :)
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  9. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Thanks Shawn, I will try that.

    Update, that worked. It found more stuff than I was looking for, LOL.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 71,976
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #10

    You're most welcome.

    LOL, I hear that. :)
      My Computer


 
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