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

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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

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-02-07T13:47:28+00:00

    one thing worked without magic. 

    just disable indexing. 

    why did it work?

    because indexing is the problem. windows indexes the files and forgets to index the new ones on the drive. i also think the indexing service is not working properly. if it works properly, this problem woudn't happen in the first place. 

    so, exclude the drive or the file you are searching into. exclude it from indexing. 

    how to disable indexing or exclude a file from indexing..

    1. click start button. type **indexing.**click indexing options.
    2. click modify. then uncheck the drive or the file you want to exclude.
    3. done.

     you may uncheck the filetype you are searching for if the search still doesn't work properly.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-12-10T18:16:21+00:00

    You offer this idea: "...they must expect user knowledge far beyond the intuitive level."

    That might be the case, but I think you are being way too kind. In my opinion, their expectation goes more along the lines of the "Army way" of thinking, which seems to be: "This is the way it's done in the Army. If you don't like it, join the Navy."

    Or, maybe: "...they demand user powers far removed from the intuitive level," perhaps even delving down into the "supernatural."

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-12-10T13:17:52+00:00

    I am sorry that you (and the last few posters) have had such problems with Windows Search, because for me it works really well on Windows 8.1 Pro and Windows 7.  You might find it helpful to read two consecutive articles that I wrote for Daves Computer Tips, which contain pretty much everything I have been able to find out about Windows Search, including how to get it working.  You can find them here:

    https://percontor.org.uk/2014/08/the-art-and-craft-of-windows-search-1-groundwork/

    https://percontor.org.uk/2014/08/the-art-and-craft-of-windows-search-2-sophisticated-searching/

    or in DavesComputerTips:

    https://davescomputertips.com/the-art-and-craft-of-windows-search-1-groundwork/

    https://davescomputertips.com/the-art-and-craft-of-windows-search-2-sophisticated-searching/

    Try the suggestions there; I hope they help.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-12-10T03:47:45+00:00

    The fact that Windows 10 could not find "mp3" files inside my iTunes music folders is utterly unbelievable.  Getting "no search results", for a case where hundreds of files exist, is utter failure.

    THE BEST FIX for this problem is DO NOT USE WINDOWS SEARCH features in Explorer.  IT SUCKS.  If anyone can defend the coders for this app/feature, they must expect user knowledge far beyond the intuitive level.

    Try the application called "Everything" or "Search Everything" which has been working so incredibly well for me, in Windows 7 and 10, that it makes the ridiculous attempts by the Windows Desktop Search seem laughable.

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