Win7 file search returns no files (but they exist)


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64
       #1

    Win7 file search returns no files (but they exist)


    Greetings -

    Running Win7 (6.1, SP1, 64-bit).

    Previously, I was using WinXP file search in classic mode.
    Predictable, reliable results.
    I'm finding Win7 file searching to be unpredictable at best.

    I have dozens files of the form xName-<date>, where x is my first initial,
    Name is my last name, and <date> is the file date (e.g. - "mSmithCV-7jan09.doc").

    When I use the Win7 search to find "name:smith", no files are returned.
    Nor will "name:*smith*" return any files.

    The search does return the files if I specify "name:mSmith" (i.e. - the beginning of the filename),
    but I have no confidence that the search is returning ALL of the files.

    I've run the Windows Search troubleshooter, which found no problems.

    Is there a classic search mode? Or a simple, cost-effective third-party file search utility?
    Or even a way to get Win7 to find all files whose filename contains (but does not begin with)
    a specified string?

    [I find Win7 to be better than XP in most respects, but I really can't believe
    that this search functionality made it out the door. It's beyond awful.]

    Any & all assistance welcome.

    Thanks kindly,

    - Richard
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #2

    expatCanuck said:
    Or a simple, cost-effective third-party file search utility?
    Take a look at Everything, from voidtools.com.

    Free, quick, searches file names ONLY, not contents.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #3

    I also use Everything and agree it's a great tool for finding files.

    If the files you are searching for are not in a location being indexed by Windows 7 then search will not find them. See here: Index Locations - Add or Remove
      My Computer


 

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