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
    2016-11-18T18:12:52+00:00

    I have the bug even with 2007/2010 files with .docx extension. The file is there, and the folder of the corresponding file is "indexed". But Windows 7 Search is unable to find the file using particular keyword unlike other files.

    Windows Search is COMPLETELY unreliable.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-10-07T18:32:30+00:00

    Hi..

    When I wrote search in the box. Search results did not show.the problem not solved

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-08-20T16:03:36+00:00

    Still happening in 2016!!!  All of a sudden / overnight it has stopped working.

    Yesterday I could search for a word inside a file (like tomato in my recipe files) and it would return all the files of what ever kind in my recipe folder that had that work in it!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

    Comments have been turned off. Learn more