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

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  1. Posts : 1,814
    XP / Win7 x64 Pro
       #11

    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.
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  2. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #12

    Chris Nicola said:
    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.
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  3. Posts : 1,814
    XP / Win7 x64 Pro
       #13

    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.
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  4. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #14

    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.
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  5. Posts : 31
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
       #15

    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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  6. Posts : 170
    Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #16

    Thanks for the help. I looked at this link ansd typed index in the start menu search to bring up the indexing options:

    Windows Search - Configure and Use

    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
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  7. Posts : 640
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #17

    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
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  8. Posts : 170
    Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #18

    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
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  9. Posts : 4,049
    W7 Ultimate SP1, LM19.2 MATE, W10 Home 1703, W10 Pro 1703 VM, #All 64 bit
       #19

    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.
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  10. Posts : 170
    Desktop Win 10 Pro 64 bit, Laptop Win 7 Home 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #20

    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
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