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

Mr. @m_south_a, What are the consequences about which you speak?

Doesn't the indexer rebuild a new index when you re-enable it? I am new to Win 7 and mystified at the erratic behavior of this 'feature'.

Perhaps you mean this: Yesterday I rebuilt the index and after it was done, Win 7 would not even find files with the search term in the name of the file, these are files visible inside the explorer folder in which it was supposed to be searching. In other words, it wouldn't find files that were laying there in the open.

Several reboots did not change this blindness.

Yet, today I started the machine and now it sees files. !

It still does not see inside .PDF which is a shame, since I work with PDF's a lot. (yes .pdf is checked in the index options). Even though thepreview sees the .pdf as though it were open in Acrobat.

Also I would note that the .pdf's that it doesn't search is the type that can be copied and pasted, not the type that behaves as though it were a photo.

What's the emoticon for throwing your hands up?

I received an email prompt because of one of my earlier posts... anyway I thought I'd respond.

For the last couple of months my "solution" has been to turn indexing off for "\Users" indexing. I did this by Indexing Options>Modify and uncheck "\Users" indexing box. Then just use the upper right hand search box to search from any folder down the directory tree. This does an exhaustive search (non indexed) but on a modern machine it's pretty quick. You cannot find strings within files this way. The bottom SEARCH box still works for non user library file searches.

The other possible solution is a 3rd party search tool. I have enough "add-ons" and choose to keep these to a minimum.

Do not confuse the above with disabling WINDOWS SEARCH via Control Panel>Programs & Features -I would not do this unless you know the consequences. (I certainly don't do it).

Try entering .doc and NOT hitting the Enter key. Then pause and wait for the brief results to show.  If like me you do not get enough files listed, hit "Search Everywhere" .... This throws you into Desktop Search where all files seem to be listed - but I still have not figured out how to sort this list into a meaningful order (like alphabetical) let alone how to send this list to a file for subsequent referencing.  Good luck!

I run Windows 7. When I click on the start button and type in search the process described here does not begin (I actually get an error message from my mobile phone suite!). I have worked on computers since Dos 2 and suddenly I cannot write *.doc into a search box and get any sense. I cannot get the a 'Change how Windows searches' command or an advanced button or file types tab. I know I have hundreds of pdf files but the search facility only finds the ten latest.

I am just so frustrated.

Lorna Jenkin