Windows search always fails

[FliGi7]

You don't. You use a program that can do regex. No one is arguing Windows 7 Search is the greatest utility of all time, simply that this issue here (and others presented by people in this thread who obviously don't understand its abilities) is easily solvable using it and no other third party utility. Make another thread if you want to compare search utilities and what they can and can't do.

 

[mjf]

You don't. You use a program that can do regex. No one is arguing Windows 7 Search is the greatest utility of all time, simply that this issue here (and others presented by people in this thread who obviously don't understand its abilities) is easily solvable using it and no other third party utility. Make another thread if you want to compare search utilities and what they can and can't do.

It's nice when things are so obvious. You can rebuild the index and do the hundreds of fix it tricks (see Windows 7 - Answers) and still end up with an unreliable dud.
When Windows Imaging doesn't work for some people I wouldn't say "you obviously don't understand it's abilities". I accept there are some system configurations where the program has problems. The solution is to use another imaging program and get on with using the PC. The same goes for Windows Search.

 

[FliGi7]

Your example involves a move away from a piece of software due to a lack of features, while I'm referring to someone moving away from Windows Search simply because they don't know how to use it and therefore incorrectly assume it can't do something. The two are not similar or related. I don't have a problem with someone using third-party software simply because they prefer it or because it has more/better features. I'm all for using whatever makes the most sense for the particular user. I'm just pointing out, as shown by example in this thread, that there is a substantial portion of people who are quick to dismiss the built-in search and spread misinformation about its (lack of) abilities based on their own lack of understanding. One of the benefits of the forum here is providing/receiving information that is not well understood outside of the more technical circles of Windows 7. It's a disservice to the forum and members here if solutions aren't offered and explanations given involving how to solve problems using the features of the OS rather than just to suggest the use of a third party tool.

As for rebuilding the index, performing hundreds of fix it tricks, and still having an unreliable dud, I'm not sure what you're referring to. I've never had problems searching for, or finding, any items within indexed locations on my various drives. While there may be extenuating circumstances as to why a particular user is having a problem with doing such simple searches, that doesn't mean the tools aren't there to do so within the OS. Surely Windows 7 isn't perfect and Windows is notorious for weird bugs that are hard to track down and figure out. But, that doesn't mean we should dismiss an entire feature of the OS because of it.

Anyway, just my opinion, obviously. Some people prefer to just use a third party tool they are familiar instead of learning how to use what they've already got.

 

[mjf]

As for rebuilding the index, performing hundreds of fix it tricks, and still having an unreliable dud, I'm not sure what you're referring to. I've never had problems searching for, or finding, any items within indexed locations on my various drives.

Well I certainly had problems on one PC and spent considerable time attempting to get Windows Search to function properly. Do a google search or look in Windows 7 Answers forum. You will see examples of Windows Search problems experienced by people with various levels of technical skill.

By all means provide advice in an attempt to help people get Windows Search functioning if that's what they want. But at some point it is appropriate to suggest an alternative. I used Windows imaging as an example of another built in capability which I have never had a problem with. Some forum members make scathing comments about its reliability. There comes a point where I, and others, suggest to an OP to try a third party imaging program.

 

[FliGi7]

As for rebuilding the index, performing hundreds of fix it tricks, and still having an unreliable dud, I'm not sure what you're referring to. I've never had problems searching for, or finding, any items within indexed locations on my various drives.

Well I certainly had problems on one PC and spent considerable time attempting to get Windows Search to function properly. Do a google search or look in Windows 7 Answers forum. You will see examples of Windows Search problems experienced by people with various levels of technical skill.

By all means provide advice in an attempt to help people get Windows Search functioning if that's what they want. But at some point it is appropriate to suggest an alternative. I used Windows imaging as an example of another built in capability which I have never had a problem with. Some forum members make scathing comments about its reliability. There comes a point where I, and others, suggest to an OP to try a third party imaging program.

Agreed. I'm not trying to convince anyone to use it, just attempting to clarify on some fallacies proposed by people jumping in and incorrectly stating its lack of simple search abilities. The OP never stated that Windows search can't do what they need, only that it hasn't worked for them (for reasons which are still unknown and could certainly be at the fault of the OP) which is why they were looking elsewhere. They weren't looking elsewhere because they had definitively exhausted all of the built-in search's features and it still came up short. In fact, they stated that it couldn't find files that they know are there, which would lead most to believe it's an indexing, configuration, or search term issue considering the simple nature of that search and that Win7 search should have no issues with that. However, if we can eventually rule out all of those possible issues and it still doesn't work for the OP, then more power to them for using any of the multitude of third party tools.

 

[Layback Bear]

Lets get back to the OP's original request.
To the OP, what files are you trying to find and how are you trying to find them. Windows 7 Search is not perfect but still works quiet well if indexed properly. Properly is normally default. If you or someone else changes names of files or moves them all around it can confuse Windows Search as well as 3rd party programs. Tell these fine folk here what you are trying to find and any other information you can give them concerning this problem. Also let us know if you get and error codes or pop up from Windows that might help us help you. Learning how to use Windows 7 isn't hard to do but takes a little time. We are here to help the best we know how. The more information we get from you (the original poster) the better we can help.

 

[mjf]

I was very much addressing the OPs request. After doing the standard maintenance like rebuilding the index if you get no joy then consider moving on to a third party search tool.
A non indexed efficient search program (like File locator Lite) allows to to move your files around to where you like. You can rename them and still do a content based search immediately. With current fast CPUs and Disks speed isn't an issue except if you provide a large library style archive service then you probably do need indexing.

 

[Layback Bear]

Many use 3rd party program for one reason or another. I'm one of them but it's not because the Windows 7 built one is junk because it's not. People like you and me and some others just like some of the things a 3rd party program will do and the way they do it. I think that Microsoft leaves these little niceties out of their system so newbies don't get in trouble. The average use can find anything they want using Windows 7. Sometimes we want more.

 

[johntkucz]

I am looking at file names in a folder and when I search for them, they don't pop up (but they're right there). Windows Search is ABYSMAL. If it can't find the files (that I am looking at and know and understand are in a certain directory), I will prob have to switch operating systems to ubuntu for most of my file management.

I have the directory indexed. It's not that it takes a long time, it says the search for files are not there.

Need solution (some 3rd party freeware app or something?) for better file/directory search. Search Everything I tried and didn't like.

Thanks.

Try "Agent Ransack". It's free and is a great replacement for Windows search function. You can download either the 32 or 64 bit version from;

http://mythicsoft.com/page.aspx?page=download&type=agentransack

If you are skeptical about clicking links, search for "Agent Ransack" from "Mythicsoft".

Hey Thanks, I will try that ransack app possibly. I tried copernic. That worked well, but I had to uninstall it when it kept freezing. I may try copernic again.