Searching for file contents

[ronald17b]

Dear all,

I wonder if there is a software out there (preferably free) that can search for files and file contents in Windows 7. I have a lot of notes and documents on my computer and I really need a way to do keyword searches for their contents.

More preferably I would need a way to do what softwares such as DevontThink Pro do for Mac users: which is an intelligent search in the contents of lots and lots of documents, pdfs, etc.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Ron

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello an welcome Ron mate why don't you just type a relevant word in the Search box??

ie if you have a document titled little monkey then type Little in and it will list everything just about with little in it. It is a bit like the old XP system.

 

[A Guy]

Welcome to Seven Forums Ron.

NOTE: I have made a decision to mainly highlight programs that meet 2 specific needs that I have: 1) the ability to search within files (find words within files) and 2) programs that will work across network shares (index files on my work network where all my documents are stored). There are literally tons of software programs that will search for files and folders, but that do not search within files. There are also several alternatives that might search network shares, but do not search within files.

Again, my focus has been on programs that meet the primary needs I've identified above. It is beyond my scope to review all types of desktop search tools.

NOTE #2: I recently upgraded to Windows 7 (64-bit). To be honest, after upgrading and using Windows 7 built-in search tool, I see no reason to use a third-party desktop search tool. It takes a little tweaking, but the new search tool within Windows 7 is quite good. It even searches within files and will search my home network for files. My recommendation is that if you are using Windows 7, you really don't need a third-party tool.

For an excellent resource on how to maximize your use of the Windows 7 search tool, please check out this article:

Getting the most from Windows Search ? Part 2

Best Free Desktop Search Utility

A Guy

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hmm well I have obviously missed something here

 

[A Guy]

Hmm well I have obviously missed something here

I don't think so. It just takes some doing for Windows to search within files. It won't do that just by typing some text in the search box

A Guy