New
#1
My windows 7 search function fails to find files I know are there.
When I type a search into either the start menu or a folder search or anywhere it fails to find files. I tried re-indexing, but it actually reduced my index from ~3500 to 279 files. I don't understand why it won't find anything.
I transferred a lot of folders from my old computer (Vista) to this one via my external hard drive. It will not find any files from those folders. For example, I have MS Word documents from school and even if I open the exact folder its in and search the exact name it won't find any results.
Worse, I have an extensive library of public domain books in various folders but I used the search to find things. Now, even if I'm in the exact folder a file is in it won't find it. For example, if a file is named "JJ Blunt, Undesigned Coincidences" and I search that exact phrase while looking at the file in a folder, it will say no results found. If I search "Blunt" or "JJ" the same thing happens.
I've searched google for hours and found no answers that worked. The only thing that has done anything is if I right click an individual file, go to properties, go to details, tell it to remove all personal information, and then it will index and search for it. But I have literally 10s of 1000s of files I want to search, and to do this manually would take at least a full day. Is there any way to make this work?
Even more startling, documents I've made with this computer and put into folders from my old computer to maintain my sorting system will not show up either. So the only files it will find are those in folders I've made on this computer and have files made on this computer. Not a single other file will be found.
I am very frustrated right now, having tried everything to make Windows 7 actually search and find files I know are there. Can someone please help me?