Searching for specific text that contains multiple "."s


  1. Posts : 3
    W7
       #1

    Searching for specific text that contains multiple "."s


    I am having trouble getting W7 to accurately report exact searches for text containing multiple periods (i.e., "x.01.001" format). I need the system to report ALL documents in a specified directory that contain the exact text input but I'm finding that windows is reporting documents with only partial matches (i.e., y.01.001 or z.01.001).

    I am using "" around the specific text and have the following folder options selected in the search tab:
    * Always search file names and contents (this might take several minutes)
    * Include subfolders in search results when searching in file folders
    * Don't use the index when searching in file folders or system files (searches may take longer)
    * Include system directories

    Can anyone please help me choose the right filter settings or modify my input commands to get a more accurate response?
      My Computer


  2. Dom
    Posts : 2,295
    Windows Seven Ultimate
       #2

    You just need to uncheck one option -

    In start menu search , type in

    Folder Options

    and press enter.
    Navigate to the 'Search' tab.
    In there is a checkbox saying 'Find partial matches'. Uncheck this.

    This should bring up exact results of what you were looking for.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3
    W7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Of course! I must have looked at that a dozen times...thanks for your help!
      My Computer


  4. Dom
    Posts : 2,295
    Windows Seven Ultimate
       #4

    Don't worry, some of the problems I have lead to me not looking at options properly!
    Glad its sorted :)

    Oh, almost forgot, Welcome to Sevenforums!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3
    W7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks again - I made the correction and it has helped a lot.

    The search tool is still reporting 'extra' documents though. For example, I entered "QP.01.020" and got back documents with "QA.01.020" and "QP.01.010". All of the documents with exact text were found (which is great!) but I have to open all of the documents individually and manually filter those that only have partial matches.

    Unfortunately, the "X.##.###" numbering format is used for all of our company document names and has been too widely distributed to easily change (otherwise I would just simplify it and move on!).
      My Computer


  6. Dom
    Posts : 2,295
    Windows Seven Ultimate
       #6

    JBallew said:
    Thanks again - I made the correction and it has helped a lot.

    The search tool is still reporting 'extra' documents though. For example, I entered "QP.01.020" and got back documents with "QA.01.020" and "QP.01.010". All of the documents with exact text were found (which is great!) but I have to open all of the documents individually and manually filter those that only have partial matches.

    Unfortunately, the "X.##.###" numbering format is used for all of our company document names and has been too widely distributed to easily change (otherwise I would just simplify it and move on!).
    I think that is the most you can get out of the search, unless someone else suggests something.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
       #7

    Perhaps the following might help:

    1. Open the "Indexing Options" Control Panel
    (if you don't see it listed, change the view by "category" to view by "small icons")
    2. Click the "Advanced" button near the bottom
    3. Check "Treat similar words with diacritics as different words"
      My Computer


  8. Dom
    Posts : 2,295
    Windows Seven Ultimate
       #8

    I have forgotten about this thread

    Another way to get exact filenames is by putting asterisks and qoutation marks around the search word, with the word 'filename:' before it.
    For example,

    filename:"*y.01.001*".

    Let me know if this works.
      My Computer


 

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