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
    2011-01-13T16:16:15+00:00

    I have found that if I turn off indexing altogether, my searches work in windows 7. It took me a long time to work it out as indexing seemed like such a good idea, but if I index one small location and search it, the search returns nothing of value. Without indexing it searches the selected location quickly and effectivley. It also works on networked locations - result! You have no idea how happy I am.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-12-25T20:24:54+00:00

    My Windows 7 Search (Start Menu) worked fine locating documents and files before a recent re-format.  Reading some of the answers in this forum did not help.  I finally stumbled upon a very easy solution.  Might work for you, might not.  Doesn't hurt to try.  Here's what I did.  Click on "Start" Menu.  Right click anywhere and click "Properties".  Click on "Start Menu" tab.  Click the "Customize" button.  Scroll down to "Search other files and libraries".  If the "Don't search" radio button is selected, then here's the problem.  Select either the "Search with public folders" or "Search without public folders" radio buttons then click OK twice and voila.  Good Luck!

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-12-18T18:52:56+00:00

    For me, the inability to search .php files makes explorer search almost totally useless. My solution was to install grep for Windows. You can get it here: http://gnuwin32.sourceforge.net/packages/grep.htm. I run it from a command prompt (aka DOS window).

    It's much faster than Search and it has all the cool regex features that Unix users love. Unlike the Unix/Linux versions I've seen it also has a recursive flag (-R), which is handy.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-12-01T17:18:04+00:00

    The fix for the bitdefender blocking the search apparently according to Bitdefender UK Support is the following

    Open bitdefender panel

    Click Options

    Select Expert View

    Select Antivirus

    Select Advanced Settings

    Disable Active Virus Control

    This is apparently only an issue with Vista & 7

    Hope this helps

    Will

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