Searching within files

[MPREv]

I'm trying to search within log files (text files with *.log extention).

With XP this works easily with a check box. But Windows 7?
Searching in a directory doesn't find content of the files.
Sometimes there is a button under the results called (something like) "Search Content" (got other language).
But even with this nothing happens.

Is there a easy way searching in text files (with other extentions) in windows 7?

 

[ionbasa]

Here are all the steps I think you need to follow to actually search:
1. Make sure that Windows 7 is actually going to search files with your extension, and it appears that using this list properly is important *whether or not you are looking in an indexed location*!!
a. Hit the start button and type "search" in the search box.
b. Select "Change How Windows Searches"
c. Hit "Advanced"
d. Select the "File Types" tab.
e. Make sure the file extension for the files you want to search in is on the list *and* is set to "Index Properties and File Contents". I know this appears to be for file indexing, but it does seem to make a difference on whether you find the file in non-indexed locations as well.
f. Say "Ok" and exit all the dialog boxes

2. Actually perform your search on the folder in question. Depending on some other settings you may have to type "content: spam" to find "spam" *in* the files instead of files with the word "spam" in the name. Alternately, if you press the "Alt" key when you're exploring in the folder, you can choose "Tools / Folder Options" go to the "Search" tab and select "Always search file names and contents".

 

[mjf]

I find this one of the most useful pieces of free software I use daily
FileLocator Lite.

 

[MPREv]

Here are all the steps I think you need to follow to actually search:
1. Make sure that Windows 7 is actually going to search files with your extension, and it appears that using this list properly is important *whether or not you are looking in an indexed location*!!
a. Hit the start button and type "search" in the search box.
b. Select "Change How Windows Searches"
c. Hit "Advanced"
d. Select the "File Types" tab.
e. Make sure the file extension for the files you want to search in is on the list *and* is set to "Index Properties and File Contents". I know this appears to be for file indexing, but it does seem to make a difference on whether you find the file in non-indexed locations as well.
f. Say "Ok" and exit all the dialog boxes

2. Actually perform your search on the folder in question. Depending on some other settings you may have to type "content: spam" to find "spam" *in* the files instead of files with the word "spam" in the name. Alternately, if you press the "Alt" key when you're exploring in the folder, you can choose "Tools / Folder Options" go to the "Search" tab and select "Always search file names and contents".

This didn't work for me. I added something more ...
But I found somethink like "Change searchoptions for files & directories"
There I can select "allways search in files".
(Don't have english version maybe the text is not exactly the same).

Thx

 

[jerryrodriguezh]

There is a way without using third part programs:
this was a solution provided by Microsoft.
Click here Change advanced indexing options

for pdf files is necessary to download a component from Adobe.

Regards,