Windows search always fails

[johntkucz]

I am looking at file names in a folder and when I search for them, they don't pop up (but they're right there). Windows Search is ABYSMAL. If it can't find the files (that I am looking at and know and understand are in a certain directory), I will prob have to switch operating systems to ubuntu for most of my file management.

I have the directory indexed. It's not that it takes a long time, it says the search for files are not there.

Need solution (some 3rd party freeware app or something?) for better file/directory search. Search Everything I tried and didn't like.

Thanks.

 

[Sir George]

I am looking at file names in a folder and when I search for them, they don't pop up (but they're right there). Windows Search is ABYSMAL. If it can't find the files (that I am looking at and know and understand are in a certain directory), I will prob have to switch operating systems to ubuntu for most of my file management.

I have the directory indexed. It's not that it takes a long time, it says the search for files are not there.

Need solution (some 3rd party freeware app or something?) for better file/directory search. Search Everything I tried and didn't like.

Thanks.

Try "Agent Ransack". It's free and is a great replacement for Windows search function. You can download either the 32 or 64 bit version from;

http://mythicsoft.com/page.aspx?page=download&type=agentransack

If you are skeptical about clicking links, search for "Agent Ransack" from "Mythicsoft".

 

[FliGi7]

There is no need for a third party application for this.

What file types are you searching for? Are you sure the file types within the directory you are searching for are set to be indexed as well?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18212-index-add-remove-file-types.html

If they're set to be indexed already and there are no other issues you can think of, you might try rebuilding the index and see if that works.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/17880-index-rebuild.html

 

[Sir George]

There is no need for a third party application for this.

What file types are you searching for? Are you sure the file types within the directory you are searching for are set to be indexed as well?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18212-index-add-remove-file-types.html

If they're set to be indexed already and there are no other issues you can think of, you might try rebuilding the index and see if that works.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/17880-index-rebuild.html

Necessity isn't always the reason to use 3rd party software, many times a free application will provide a better solution; such as quickness, boolean ability, and other easy to use options to provide greater functionality. The search function in Windows, most any version, is kludgy.

 

[FliGi7]

How would a third party search app provide a better solution to this user's situation of searching in a folder for files? In an indexed location, Win7 search is as quick as it gets and includes boolean logic operators for searching as well. It sounds like you don't really know much of what Win7 search can do.

 

[Sir George]

How would a third party search app provide a better solution to this user's situation of searching in a folder for files? In an indexed location, Win7 search is as quick as it gets and includes boolean logic operators for searching as well. It sounds like you don't really know much of what Win7 search can do.

Ouch! My reply was not intended to be offensive to you. I find the search function in Windows 7 inadequate and initially used it quite a bit. I looked for a better alternative and thought perhaps the OP could benefit from my efforts.

 

[FliGi7]

I'm not offended in any way, I was just stating that Win7 isn't inadequate as you state. It actually does include the features you stated it to be missing, so your points are misleading to the OP.

I am personally satisfied with it for my particular uses as I took the time to use it and learn all of its features instead of just assuming it couldn't do certain things because it didn't operate the same way I was used to in XP. Unfortunately, many others prefer to just add another piece of software and claim Win7 search can't do certain things when it's in fact just a lack of understanding and effort on their part.

Edit: This isn't mean to personally attack you or anything of the sort. I know you're trying to help and offer suggestions. There is just an unfortunate perpetuation of fallacy that the built-in search can't do a lot of things that it actually can, which causes a lot of confusion, misleading, and extra questions on here that can better be resolved by better understanding Win7's search features and how to use them. If we start better teaching people how to use what they've got, they can better utilize the OS they paid for.

 

[Sir George]

I'm not offended in any way, I was just stating that Win7 isn't inadequate as you state. It actually does include the features you stated it to be missing, so your points are misleading to the OP.

I am personally satisfied with it for my particular uses as I took the time to use it and learn all of its features instead of just assuming it couldn't do certain things because it didn't operate the same way I was used to in XP. Unfortunately, many others prefer to just add another piece of software and claim Win7 search can't do certain things when it's in fact just a lack of understanding and effort on their part.

Edit: This isn't mean to personally attack you or anything of the sort. I know you're trying to help and offer suggestions. There is just an unfortunate perpetuation of fallacy that the built-in search can't do a lot of things that it actually can, which causes a lot of confusion, misleading, and extra questions on here that can better be resolved by better understanding Win7's search features and how to use them. If we start better teaching people how to use what they've got, they can better utilize the OS they paid for.

I will respectively disgree with you that Windows 7 has nearly the ability of Agent Ransack's search functionality.

 

[FliGi7]

I don't know anything about Agent Ransack nor have I been talking about it. You're the only person comparing the two right now so you'll have to disagree with your own creation of comparison. I'm talking about Windows 7 search being able to find files in a directory without any problems, just as the OP was asking. The only reason we began talking about other software is because you suggested unnecessary software for this issue and stated fallacies about features that Win7 search didn't have, when in fact it does. If you'd like to create another thread to tout whatever third party search app you like over the built-in search, then please feel free, but this thread isn't about that.

 

[4wd]

FliGi7, op did show interest for alternatives, and should be given any information that may be useful, regarding both w7's search and the available options.
johntkucz wrote:

Need solution (some 3rd party freeware app or something?)

johntkucz, if you do not feel at home with w7 search, or want a user interface that suits you better, trying Agent Ransack is good advice indeed. Good luck.

 

[FliGi7]

Yes, it's all about taking the question and request in context. I, too, would look for some other software if I thought mine didn't have the abilities I needed to do something. However, the OP is asking for a third party solution because they are having issues with the built-in search finding their files, causing them to think it is not able to perform such simple tasks. The point here is that the built-in search should have no problems finding these files, so there is obviously another issue going on. Suggesting third party apps for this doesn't fix the issue here, rather provides a workaround that doesn't address the problem with the OP's computer. If we follow the vein of logic of just adding another piece of software to fix this problem, that would be akin to the air filter on your car being clogged with a piece of paper and you boring a hole in the side of intake hose and running another filter to get it to work rather than resolving the issue by removing the paper blocking the filter. There's no need to add superfluous parts or software to something when the answer can be as simple as using/fixing what you already have. But, you can only lead a horse to water. Somehow this has turned into a thread about why you should or shouldn't use a third party app here when the OP hasn't even clarified on the issue at hand.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The built-in tool works.

Whether a user wants to spend the time to ascend the learning curve to take advantage of its capabilities is another question entirely.

I chose not to spend the time and found another solution that required no ascent.

 

[sgage]

The built-in tool works.

Whether a user wants to spend the time to ascend the learning curve to take advantage of its capabilities is another question entirely.

I chose not to spend the time and found another solution that required no ascent.

The built-in tool works beautifully for me. Whether looking for files by filename, or looking for specific content in indexed folders.

I agree, there's always a learning curve. Might as well learn the stuff that comes with your OS than some third-party thing. I notice that a lot of times around here - the first reply to how to make something work is often a plug for a third-party utility or something.

 

[seekingcivility]

I agree with the OP that W7 search is abysmal.
It is possible that I don't understand how W7 search works, but the help function sheds very little light.
The boolean functions in W7 are very limited. Agent Ransack is better, but it's not perfect either.
One of the biggest problems in W7 is that I usually get way too many results. In XP, I can search for a folder or a certain type of item. If I only want .docs or only .jpgs or only folders or files with arca in the file name, or arca in the internal text, I can do that. Not in W7.
If I'm wrong about that, I'm eager to learn. I've tried, but most of what I get is tripe about how good W7 search is, but little in the way details.

 

[FliGi7]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/36599-search-windows-7-a.html

Advanced search techniques

Learn How to Use Windows 7′s Advanced Search Operators - How-To Geek

Using Advanced Query Syntax To Find Files in Windows 7 - Alan's World of IT - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

Mastering Windows Search using Advanced Query Syntax

 

[Sir George]

I don't know anything about Agent Ransack nor have I been talking about it. You're the only person comparing the two right now so you'll have to disagree with your own creation of comparison. I'm talking about Windows 7 search being able to find files in a directory without any problems, just as the OP was asking. The only reason we began talking about other software is because you suggested unnecessary software for this issue and stated fallacies about features that Win7 search didn't have, when in fact it does. If you'd like to create another thread to tout whatever third party search app you like over the built-in search, then please feel free, but this thread isn't about that.

No need to get heavy handed. I just tried to provide a meaningful post to help the OP with an alternative search program.

 

[snowdude]

Without 3rd party utilities you're only scratching the surface of what your computer can do, e.g. Process Explorer instead of Task Manager, Notepad++ instead of Notepad etc.

Agent Ransack is a good tip if Windows Search isn't doing what you want.

 

[Kari]

I will respectively disgree with you that Windows 7 has nearly the ability of Agent Ransack's search functionality.

Here some simple test, comparison between File Locator and Windows 7 search (as you certainly know, Agent Ransack is the lite version of File Locator): http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/126321-more-search-hell-6.html#post1098141

Windows Search 3 - File Locator 0

Kari

 

[mjf]

I've been using Agent Ransack/File Locator Lite for a couple of years now.
I know how Windows Search works so it's not functional ignorance that stops me using it.
Some like the Windows Imaging capability, some hate it.
Use what utility suits you.

 

[snowdude]

Windows Search 3 - File Locator 0

How do you get Windows Search to find all email addresses in a group of files?