Windows Explorer Search Bar Flakey

[hardya]

On very many occasions I search for things in the search bar which I know are there are they do not appear.
Eg1: *.exe
Some items in sub folders which match the pattern *.exe do not appear.
Eg1: sometext
Some items in sub folders which contain the text do not appear, often these are files without extensions, but the search facility does not make it clear that these are excluded or provide a way to guarentee their inclusion.

The green progression bar does not always appear so one does not always know when a search is complete.

When one orders by (for example) type the search begins all over again!!

Not all the filter types described in the help apear when you click in the search box, for example filter by 'Type'.

1. Does any one know how to resolve these issues?
2. Does any one know if Win7 provides a proper advanced search dialog which enables a clear and unambiguous search request with consistently accurate results?
3. If no the 1 & 2 can any one recommend an alternative search tool. I am not overly concered about indexing, I am prepared to wait for most of my searches, my main concern is clarity and accuracy, something which according to my understanding and experience Win7 does not provide.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Partial Answer

Not all the filter types described in the help apear when you click in the search box, for example filter by 'Type'.

Some idiot decided that the apparent drop-down list, should actually be horizontal instead of vertical!

In the "Library", make the "Search" box wider to see more options (click on the thumbnail for an animation).

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I think you may need "Indexing" running, to see all of the options in other locations.
I have it "Indexing" off and I only get 2 options listed in other folders.

 

[DavidE]

I use FileLocator Lite (free), and it works well for me.

Mythicsoft - High performance file searching tools

 

[TAH]

There are several search replacement programs for W7 that will fix the problem(s) you mention. Just do a Google search for Windows 7 search software and you'll find many alternatives that actually work.

I like FileSearchEX, $10 for a personal version, but it works well.

 

[Snick]

I posted on another thread related to search. I use Locate32, free program. It also works with AutoHotKey, again free. Locate32 creates its own database and you can search by file, folder, drive, everywhere. Using AutoHotKey, you can use scripts to search from entries in a text file, which I use for locating missing mum, cat, packages, files, folders, etc. from SURT or SFC scans that they can't auto replace.