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
    2010-05-21T15:20:44+00:00

    Well only partially solved. Still does not search contents of PDF files. It's pretty astounding that MS has not fixed this well documented and long standing problem with one of it's touted Search feature. Am I missing something?

    Jim

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-07-06T21:28:00+00:00

    I have the same problem.  I found that if I search from C: drive or from the Start button on Windows 7, it finds the files.  After the search fails from any other place, i click on custom search and select my users folder and it finds the files.

    The only difference between a search from your supposedly indexed user folders and the C: drive and Start button, is that the latter searches non-indexed, system folders and contents of the files.

    It overrides the options features for the folder search which is set to not provide a search in the contents of the files.  And, it also seems to find only certain files such as .doc and not .txt even though both extensions are selected.

    I too have rebuilt my index three times and the problem still exists.

    I also have the issue of permissions within the Users permissions, but I also had a duplicate for Users accounts, which was an abandoned daemon and would deny permission to delete it.  It has siince went away and have not checked the permissions again, but have modified them with full access in the past.

    Microsoft Corporation; development and research!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You need to look at this problem.  i have a new laptop and the desktop running Vista works fine.

    I am so frustrated and have spent so many hours researching and configuring and with HP support that I am considering doing a system recovery and starting all over, but i can't be sure that will solve the problem either.

    The permissions for inherent permissions and apply permissions to child folders seems to change whenever it feels like after each time I set it.

    UNITE!  MS NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE

    Pacificmike

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-07-18T12:48:04+00:00

    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

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-07-19T01:36:15+00:00

    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!

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