search feature

[wendy elizabeth]

i would like to now how to search for a specific folder name on my entire computer. How do you do this type of a search?

 

[zigzag3143]

i would like to now how to search for a specific folder name on my entire computer. How do you do this type of a search?

Hi and welcome

Assuming you have indexing set to index the entire computer all you have to do is enter the folder name into the search bar.

To check go to control panel>indexing (see snip)

 

[Dch48]

I find the search feature in W7 to be terrible. It very often fails to find things until I tell it to search the specific folder where the file might be. Even then it sometimes won't show it even though it's still there. It also will get to the end of the bar and the green will halfway fill the box with the red X in it and it will stop there with the circle icon spinning and stay that way.
The help file says that you should not index the entire disc because it will slow things down badly. I want the search that XP has back, it was much better.

 

[Imperfect1]

You can't have XP search back unfortunately, but you might have much better luck with 'Advanced Search.'

And there are advantage with Advanced Search in that you have a myriad of advanced options to select from, including accessing the location to where the Indexing is stored. (Windows Search Advanced Query Syntax)

To get to Advanced Search, press the Windows key on your keyboard + F (or go into the Start Menu, and from inside the Search Pane, press F3). That brings up the Search page - click the Advanced Search button to the far top-right, to open the Advanced Search Set Up page.

Under Location, select Computer, or Everywhere, and in the Name box, fill in the name of the program or file you’re looking for, or some text from within the file. (You might even want to put quotes around your search words.) And be sure to check the 'Include non-indexed, hidden, and system files' option. Click on the Search button.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can do additional searches, using any other key words you think might be associated with that program or file – like, for example, the name of the publisher.

Yes, the process will be slower than using the generic Search function, but used correctly, with Advanced Search you'll be able to find what you are looking for.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I find the search feature in W7 to be terrible. It very often fails to find things until I tell it to search the specific folder where the file might be.

Take a look at the "Everything" search tool, available at no charge here:

Everything Search Engine


Lightning fast. Its index is rebuilt every time you start the application.

It searches ONLY for file/folder names or portions of those names, NOT file contents.

 

[johnhoh]

Search Everything is super fast. If you want to replace Windows Search, install Everything and then go to start > run > services.msc and disable Windows Search

 

[Dch48]

Yes I tried the Everything search application and it's lightning fast and finds what it says--everything. It's much better than jumping through hoops and dealing with the ridiculous indexing nonsense in the W7 search. I got the portable version which requires no installation and works just fine.

Also I tried to do the advanced search in Win 7 and there is no button to click on for it. It doesn't seem to exist.

 

[Imperfect1]

Also I tried to do the advanced search in Win 7 and there is no button to click on for it. It doesn't seem to exist.

Check my PM to you --- I sent you detailed instructions how to access it.

 

[Dch48]

Also I tried to do the advanced search in Win 7 and there is no button to click on for it. It doesn't seem to exist.

Check my PM to you --- I sent you detailed instructions how to access it.

There is no button or text saying Advanced search. Absolutely nothing.

 

[wendy elizabeth]

I found the folder name that I was looking for. Do you know if this would translate also to http://localhost/folder name?

 

[Dch48]

View attachment 176526It seems that there is no advanced search option in Win7 like there was in previous versions. The little icons for computer, etc. have taken the place of that. When you hit F3 from the start menu search box, this is what you see.



I have tried the different options and none work like I would like them to. The Everything search app is much better.