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
    2010-07-19T01:39:10+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).

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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. Anonymous
    2010-05-19T05:38:10+00:00

    Try to create any new file (eg. just ascii text) with a .doc extension. Make sure the .doc extension is still ticked in the index extension list.

    Now do a search on your NEW .doc file. Does it show up?

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