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
    2012-11-03T18:44:22+00:00

    To search for items whose name contains the word "beans", enter:

    name:beans

    Searching that involves spaces or non-alphanumeric symbols is not as obvious, nor is wildcard use -- I can post detail if you want.

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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
    2012-11-03T07:58:04+00:00

    Shawn B Keene: It would be helpful if you just answered the question, which was originally about "how do you search for ONLY files and folders in Windows 7?" You did NOT give us a simple answer.  A more realistic answer from you would have been something like "You can't! If you want it to search like Windows XP, you are out of luck! If you want it to return a list of things with only the search word you entered in the search box, forgetaboutit! This question is NOT already answered and retired. Retired, maybe. Answered, no.

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