In windows 7 - I want to search for all files containing "A word or phrase in the file". The standard XP search box.

Anonymous
2009-12-06T19:24:59+00:00

In Windows 7 - I want to search/find all files containing "A word or phrase in the file".  The old standard XP search box.

I do NOT supply: file name; file type; drive letter; etc. - nothing.  

I tried searching for this - just can't find any discussion.  And of course, not having this search would be insane. It is precisely what we have a computer for. 

And no 3rd party programs are allowed.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2010-08-19T18:11:15+00:00

I've been looking into this because I know the search has been failing for me.  I think the difference in whether Windows search works or not depends on the FILE EXTENSION which contains your search text.  For example, if you look for the word "spam", it will be found if it is in a whatever.doc file, or whatever.txt file.  However, if you were to rename the file to whatever.xyz, it will no longer find the word.

Here are all the steps I think you need to follow to actually search:

  1. Make sure that Windows 7 is actually going to search files with your extension, and it appears that using this list properly is important *whether or not you are looking in an indexed location*!!

    a.  Hit the start button and type "search" in the search box.

    b.  Select "Change How Windows Searches"

    c.  Hit "Advanced"

    d.  Select the "File Types" tab.

    e.  Make sure the file extension for the files you want to search in is on the list *and* is set to "Index Properties and File Contents" (yes, pick your jaw up off the floor).  I know this appears to be for file indexing, but it does seem to make a difference on whether you find the file in non-indexed locations as well.

    f.  Say "Ok" and exit all the dialog boxes

2.  Actually perform your search on the folder in question.  Depending on some other settings you may have to type "content: spam" to find "spam" *in* the files instead of files with the word "spam" in the name.  Alternately, if you press the "Alt" key when you're exploring in the folder, you can choose "Tools / Folder Options" go to the "Search" tab and select "Always search file names and contents".

If what I have written is actually correct, then IMHO Microsoft has coughed up the ball bigtime on this one.  Personally, I now recognize that I can't use the search feature, and I'm installing Cygwin so I can use "grep" to search the contents of files.  Not cool and not amused.

Good luck to all the searchers.

~Pete

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@CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2010-09-19T13:39:48+00:00

There is an option that seems to match what you're looking for:

If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

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Anonymous
2009-12-09T00:08:07+00:00

To find "phrase in the file" type content:"phrase in the file" in the searchbox.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-04T06:47:26+00:00

    I have turned off Indexing for everything (bar Outlook and Windows Media Centre, for which it is necessary for other reasons).

    Turning off indexing was something I tried, as I thought it would enable searching all files regardless of extension. (WRONG). I have also had the index become corrupted, so you can’t rely on its integrity, and have to rebuild.

    I open the folder using Explorer to drill down to the hard disk folder - NOT via a Library - searches do not work the same if opened via a Library (I think someone has already mentioned this - IT IS IMPORTANT - DO NOT TRY TO SEARCH LIBRARIES - don't ask me why... probably something to do with the type of files that are "supposed" to be stored in them)

    I turned on the Folder Options Search tab "Always search file names and contents", and sure enough it does find a keyword within a .sql file, whether or not I use the contents: filter. The .sql extension is one of the files types listed in advanced Indexing options, and it has the “Index file properties and contents” option set. I changed the extension from .sql to something random, and IT DID NOT FIND THE keyword inside this file. Though it will find the file itself if I use its name as the keyword

    This seems to imply that there is NO way to search inside ALL files without a messy and complicated way though the Indexer advanced options File Types list.

     Surely it woudl be so easy to have a check box somewhere that means it will search inside all files regardless of extension???

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