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
    2017-09-19T06:16:07+00:00

    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).

    This was perfect and solved my search problem that persisted for months. I removed my desired folder from indexing and the exhaustive search (pretty fast, as you mentioned) gave perfect results. It gave me results for strings within file names also. This was good enough for me and removed my frustration of not being able to search my files for so many months in \users sub-folders.

    I did not try for strings within file content. Someone can try it if need be. 

    Many thanks to

    M

    m_south_a

     for the wonderful solution given.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-09-19T06:18:27+00:00

    Hi,

    You can try removing your desired folder from indexed folder especially if it is within \users folder. It worked for me. The exhaustive search was pretty fast and gave me desired results.

    Cheers

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