Want to search ONLY file names in Windows 7 Explorer?

Anonymous
2011-02-06T06:17:16+00:00

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!

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

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Anonymous
2011-02-06T06:32:16+00:00

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.


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@CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2011-02-06T18:05:52+00:00

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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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-03T07:39:14+00:00

    Wrong. It's NOT that simple. On Windows XP, if you searched for "files and folders", you typed in a word or name, and the file or folder with that word in the title came up. And that's all. In Windows 7, I type a word in the search box and all kinds of garbage comes up, usually things that have nothing to do with what I am searching for (a file or folder). Many things crop up, and NONE OF THESE THINGS HAVE MY TYPED WORD IN THE TITLE. This is not helpful. Usually I cannot find what I am looking for using search, so I have just about given up using "search" and I just pick through my computer until I find it, just trying to remember where I put the file.

    There does not seem a way to fine tune this.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-11-01T03:11:26+00:00

    I agree, with the Problem.  Windows 7 Search does not let me just do a fricking simple search for say *2010*.xls File names only. It sucks

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-07-30T10:57:49+00:00

    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!

    i tried - did NOT work

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