Windows Explorer Search Bar Flakey


  1. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    Windows Explorer Search Bar Flakey


    On very many occasions I search for things in the search bar which I know are there are they do not appear.
    Eg1: *.exe
    Some items in sub folders which match the pattern *.exe do not appear.
    Eg1: sometext
    Some items in sub folders which contain the text do not appear, often these are files without extensions, but the search facility does not make it clear that these are excluded or provide a way to guarentee their inclusion.

    The green progression bar does not always appear so one does not always know when a search is complete.

    When one orders by (for example) type the search begins all over again!!

    Not all the filter types described in the help apear when you click in the search box, for example filter by 'Type'.

    1. Does any one know how to resolve these issues?
    2. Does any one know if Win7 provides a proper advanced search dialog which enables a clear and unambiguous search request with consistently accurate results?
    3. If no the 1 & 2 can any one recommend an alternative search tool. I am not overly concered about indexing, I am prepared to wait for most of my searches, my main concern is clarity and accuracy, something which according to my understanding and experience Win7 does not provide.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,049
    W7 Ultimate SP1, LM19.2 MATE, W10 Home 1703, W10 Pro 1703 VM, #All 64 bit
       #2

    Partial Answer


    hardya said:
    Not all the filter types described in the help apear when you click in the search box, for example filter by 'Type'.
    Some idiot decided that the apparent drop-down list, should actually be horizontal instead of vertical!

    In the "Library", make the "Search" box wider to see more options (click on the thumbnail for an animation).
    Windows Explorer Search Bar Flakey-wesb.gif
    I think you may need "Indexing" running, to see all of the options in other locations.
    I have it "Indexing" off and I only get 2 options listed in other folders.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #3

    I use FileLocator Lite (free), and it works well for me.

    Mythicsoft - High performance file searching tools
      My Computer


  4. TAH
    Posts : 5
    W7HP-32bit
       #4

    There are several search replacement programs for W7 that will fix the problem(s) you mention. Just do a Google search for Windows 7 search software and you'll find many alternatives that actually work.

    I like FileSearchEX, $10 for a personal version, but it works well.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,615
    Win 10 x64, Linux Lite, Win 7 x64, BlackArch, & Kali
       #5

    I posted on another thread related to search. I use Locate32, free program. It also works with AutoHotKey, again free. Locate32 creates its own database and you can search by file, folder, drive, everywhere. Using AutoHotKey, you can use scripts to search from entries in a text file, which I use for locating missing mum, cat, packages, files, folders, etc. from SURT or SFC scans that they can't auto replace.
      My Computer


 

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