Search for particular file content

[sjtu]

hi there,
Is there anybody who knows how to search content in any type of file(I tried but it only applies to text files and emails) in Windows 7? I don't wanna download or setup another software to do this but just using integrated one if any.

 

[Zidane24]

if your talking about searching for a particular file type than yes

ex. I want to search for all the mp3s I have
solution: Open up start and type *.mp3...

 

[orerockon]

Search file contents

I didn't see any answers to this question so here is one:
How to Make Windows 7 Search File Contents: 6 steps - wikiHow

That being said, it still doesn't search file contents of extensions that I have changed to search the contents as in the above page. In fact, when I create a text file that has the contents that I am searching for, it still doesn't work. Same goes for a word doc or an html document. This is insane, the search within file contents option worked just fine in XP.

 

[gabitao]

I do agree: I'm really disappointed on 7: I miss -among a lot of other things- the feature of searching files by content.
(It is incredibly surprising how after so much time and the Vista fiasco, still basic things like this have just been removed. Not to talk about non refreshing the content of a Window after you have just moved a file.
Amazing !!!
Definitely I'm moving to Linux or Mac.)

 

[kenouyang]

So that is no such "search" function as the previous one in XP? I am so disappointed with this!

 

[mitchell65]

So that is no such "search" function as the previous one in XP? I am so disappointed with this!

If you say exactly what you want to do, I'm sure one of the members will provide the route to success, just ask!

 

[Bill2]

Heres a method posted on Search inside files does not work by a user called CTN222.

"Using windows explorer; from the left side select the folder you want to search.
Then in the upper right hand corner (search box) enter what you would like to search for, lets say "test"

At first windows will search for all files that have "test" as part of the file name, but if you

SCROLL to the bottom of the search results you can see the following:

Search again in:

Libraries / Computer / Custom / Internet / File Contents

Click on File Contents and it will perform a search within the files for the keyword "test"."

 

[mjf]

I would like to be able to search any type of text file in a folder and sub folders for a specific string and have the files containg the string highlighted (and the string). I think the requests above want a similar capability. The method pointed to by Bill2 apparently only works for the following.
".php text file is not supported by Windows Search.
Supported: doc, dot, htm, html, mht, one, rtf, txt, xml"

I want to be able to search whole directories/folders of software source files with extensions like (*.c, *.f95, etc) for specific strings.
Do I simply need to tell Windows to add extensions to it's list?

 

[pezzonovante]

I would like to be able to search any type of text file in a folder and sub folders for a specific string and have the files containg the string highlighted (and the string). I think the requests above want a similar capability. The method pointed to by Bill2 apparently only works for the following.
".php text file is not supported by Windows Search.
Supported: doc, dot, htm, html, mht, one, rtf, txt, xml"

I want to be able to search whole directories/folders of software source files with extensions like (*.c, *.f95, etc) for specific strings.
Do I simply need to tell Windows to add extensions to it's list?

First of all, you should index the folder in which the file is located. Then type "indexing" in Start Search Box, and open Indexing Options > Advanced. Go to the "file types" tab. Now find the extension you are looking for, for example, *.c and select "Index properties and file contents" under "How should this file be indexed?".

 

[logicearth]

Open folder options, go to the search tab look for "What to search" and pick "Always search files names and contents" be warned that this will slow down searches.

 

[blacklord81]

to search for a string inside a file just add a "content:" before the searched string.
for example... use "content:john lennon" to search any file with the words john lennon writen inside.
enjoy.
PS: i have a spanish W7, so i might be wrong with the words, in spanish is "contenido:" without the quotes.

 

[Denali338]

Searching in file contents

At one time, I recall having the ability to get the following option after conducting a search of file contents after a search of file names:

Search again in:

Libraries / Computer / Custom / Internet / File Contents


This is exactly what I want to be able to do but now, after recently rebooting my computer, I do not get the option of a search again in file contents. HOW do I turn this feature back on? I do not ALWAYS want to search file contents but be selective and now that option is no longer available on my computer. I either always search contents or never - or go back and reset preferences each time I search. ARGH!!!!!

Why does Windows have to get harder and harder to use?