Windows 7: Search does not find files that it should, directory is indexed, and *.php included on the extension list

Anonymous
2009-11-27T05:51:54+00:00

Windows 7: Search does not find files that it should. I have the directory indexed, and *.php included on the extension list but search does not find files for searches for words that that I know there are files with those words in them.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2009-11-27T14:10:58+00:00

If you're frustrated with Search (a.k.a. Desktop Search), you are not alone. Click the Start button and type in Search and click on the command "Change how Windows searches". Now click on the Advanced button and select File types tab. Scroll down and locate your file type (in your case **.php)**and make sure that the radio button "Index Properties and File Contents" is selected for the file type.

Come out of the form by clicking the OK button but do not yet close the form where you clicked the Advanced button.

Next, you may need to modify the indexing locations. If the folder wherein your files are located is not known to the search indexing, then search doesn't even bother to look there (a source of frustration for many users). Perhaps your files are on a different disk or partition unbeknown to the indexing engine. Using the expand icon and select/deselect options, make sure that at least the folders of interest are included to the Indexed Locations. Hope this helps.

samc1

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

162 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-02-07T03:02:02+00:00

    it's now 2013 and windows 7 still can't find a file name that I know exists.  Should I still blame McAfee?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-11-26T18:07:30+00:00

    I disagree. The only reason you are seeing that is because of this product's failure.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2012-11-23T20:08:23+00:00

    I believe without proof that the products you propose are much more better than any other, including Windows Search. However, if you advertize them here, this is spam; if I want an alternative product, I would find it without your help, be sure. And yes, there has been such spam a number of times in this thread. Go away.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2012-11-19T19:51:40+00:00

    It has been mentioned a number of times in this thread that a third party (free or paid versions) of Agent Ransack / File Locator Lite will solve your problems. The software even has inbuilt OCR so that you can search for words in scanned image documents.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments