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.

Have Questions About Installing Windows 7?

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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
    2013-03-07T00:50:52+00:00

    I agree with shotobahn: you have not answered the original question,  which is how can I search file names only. You have discussed a lot of things, but you seem to be carefully avoiding the point.

    shotobahnm may have been testy, but I was too after reading through 27 messages all of which avoid the original questioner's point.  I thus conclude that there is no way to search file names only in W7 Explorer, and agree with shotobahn this is a big  step backward from WinXP.

    BYW, the file name results do not come up first as you said. I searched on "together" and it was listed among the Ts two thirds of the way down a list of 183 other totally irrelevant items. I can't guess where it would be if it were not the first word in the name.

    Dell XPS 8300, i7-2600 cpu, 8gb ram, 64 bit Win7 Home Premium, SP1 on auto update.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-03-08T15:53:28+00:00

    Finally...the fix: Name:Thank you!!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-03-08T16:23:53+00:00

    Thanks.   Does anyone know if there is a setting/switch to make this the default?

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