Search file directory windows 7

Ask a question. Quick access. Search related threads. Remove From My Forums. Answered by:. Archived Forums. Windows 7 User Interface. Sign in to vote. All the existing threads I found on this subject where locked and didn't have an answer, so Does this make sense? Does anyone know how to fix this? Edited by sahack1 Wednesday, November 21, AM. Wednesday, November 21, AM. Inconcievably obtusely, it is working again.

This stupidity just cost me two hours. Incredibly, mind-blowingly WTF? Another hour wasted on Windows nonsense Try something like Agent Ransack free instead, that will give you more consistent results.

Friday, November 23, PM. Check the "Index Properties and File Contents" box. This option is below the "How should this file be indexed? Click OK. It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so will save your changes and close the window. You should now be able to search for your selected file type both by title and by contents. Change your keywords. Windows search isn't like Google.

If you are searching, let's say, "password" and no results come up, try "passcode. Not Helpful 29 Helpful This is not working on Windows 7; maybe my Trend Micro software is blocking it. What could I do? Windows search is often not working well, you can try other tools, such as docfetcher, anytxt, dtsearch, etc.

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. After updating your indexing options, you may have to wait some time before your results will appear as expected, as Windows must rebuild its index with the contents of the new files. Restarting your computer may help expedite the process. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. You may also add additional folders to the list of indexed locations from the Indexing Options window. Enable file contents-searching may dramatically slow down your computer.

This is because your computer must now search within each file as opposed to scanning only the files' titles. Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0. You Might Also Like How to. How to. About This Article. Written by:. Co-authors: Updated: March 5, Categories: Windows 7. Article Summary X 1. Deutsch: Windows7 nach Dateiinhalten durchsuchen. Nederlands: Zoeken op inhoud in Windows 7. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,, times.

Reader Success Stories Kelly E. Feb 1, I had the printed version, so knew content words. This article helped me enable content-based searching, and I found the doc within 10 seconds!

More reader stories Hide reader stories. Is this article up to date? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Kelly E. The Windows Explorer pane is not the only place you can access Search and Libraries.

You will find a Search bar in the Start Menu , along with one click access to popular Libraries. Libraries are collections of content defined by the user. They are the new entry point for accessing your files. Therefore, when Saving items Windows 7 will direct you to Libraries. Libraries have automatic default save folders. Unless specified, your content will be saved in the default folder of the Library it matches. You are not required to save or access your content through Libraries.

The Navigation pane gives you access to Computer , where your folders and drives are stored. You can still sort through the tiered stacks of folders in the classic way to save and access content. You can also copy Folders from the Navigation pane directly into the Libraries pane based on preference. As we mentioned earlier, you determine what content goes into your Libraries.

You can decide to use the default Libraries or create your own. Either way, you will need to take the time to move folders into the Libraries you desire. You can still continue to access your files in the classic way of sorting through tiered stacks, but you will not be able to take advantage of the convenience of the Search function.

It's a new way of accessing your files and may take some customization to work as effectively as you wish. Take some time to reconsider your filing system and how you would like to access your files.

Default Libraries. Windows Explorer icon. Details Pane The Details pane allows you to view additional information and add tags and ratings to the currently selected item. Navigation Buttons Use the Back and Forward buttons to navigate between folders. Toolbar Shortcuts will appear in the toolbar depending on the item types in the Library pane. Address Bar Use the Address bar to see the path of the current folder.

Library Pane Items can now be organized by Libraries. Arrange By Depending on the Library, you can arrange content by month, day, rating, and more.