Want to search ONLY file names in Windows 7 Explorer?

Anonymous

I usually just want to seach for a "word in a file & folder name" -- and often can give a a date range. In Windows 7 Explorer, as soon as I type the word, I get all files that contain the word in the content, as well. How can I have it search only the file or folder name?

I also don't use "my documents" or "Libraries"...I create my own subfolders -- and generally on a stick drive...so I don't really understand "indexing" or if it's relevant to how I organize my files.

I miss the Windows XP search feature in Windows 7 Explorer!

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous

How can I have it search only the file or folder name?

Folder:

foldername:example

Word in name:

name:example

I miss the Windows XP search feature in Windows 7 Explorer!

Let Microsoft know you want Windows Explorers features returned:

Since many people seem to agree that some or all the changes made to Windows Explorer have actually made it less user friendly, you can go to the Windows 7 Feedback page and (politely) let them know your suggestions for improving it:

http://mymfe.microsoft.com/Windows%207/Feedback.aspx?formID=195

Note: don't make the message too long, there is a size limit to your message even though the page doesn't tell you about it.

Have Questions About Installing Windows 7?

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@CmdrKeene 90,631 Volunteer Moderator

No need for anything complicated. Just type what you're looking for. If it's in the filename, those results will be returned first, above any results where your search term isinside the file. Easy.

Non-indexed locations such as stick drives can still be searched, but take a little more time to search (sort of like XP).

If this solves your issue, click the 'Propose as Answer' link below, and vote as helpful by clicking the green triangle to the lelft. Thanks!

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87 additional answers

@CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2012-02-22T14:16:22+00:00

It was simply a helpful tip. The original question had already been answered, but I thought it'd be helpful to include how to allow searching for other file types -- or even, as is much requested, return the XP functionality of searching inside files even in non-indexed locations.

Considering that original question-askers have confirmed me as providing a solution more than 2300 times in the past year, as well as 1059 additional helpful posts (such as the suggestion above), I think I'm doing well to provide relevant contextual information to the community.

It's odd that you would complain about a post from over 3 months ago. Did you have some question that isn't answered? If so, please head to the http://answers.microsoft.com homepage and either search or post a question -- this post is already answered and retired.
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