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Windows 7 forum: Work around Lousy desktop search in Windows 7

by: Jo Lynne Lockley December 8, 2010 3:56 PM PST

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Work around Lousy desktop search in Windows 7

by Jo Lynne Lockley - 12/8/10 3:56 PM

Windows has changed the search parameters which used to work so well. At this point the only search offered directly via interface covers folder and file name. Content search is more complicated. Theoretically one enters content:"term to search for" in the search box, but this does not work on many files. Windows no longer searches all files, although this can be changed by typing search into the "Run" dialogue box and altering the defaults.

I am guessing that there is no way to go back to Vista (which tended to be a pain in the neck but did use standard search policies) or the highly simple and intuitive XP search. If so, please let me know.

Otherwise are there third party search programs out there for W7? Paid or freeware, doesn't matter. I need search capacity.


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I'd debate if XP had a good search.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 12/8/10 9:37 PM

In Reply to: Work around Lousy desktop search in Windows 7 by Jo Lynne Lockley

Today I'm using 7's search, the old DIR command and not much else unless I'm on the web.

Have you tried Google's desktop search?

Did you try changing 7's options?
Example at http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/36098-search-options-change-restore.html
Bob


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Agent Ransack

by PKsteven - 12/8/10 9:53 PM

In Reply to: Work around Lousy desktop search in Windows 7 by Jo Lynne Lockley

Been using this free utility so long without issue, didn't realize there was a major update.

http://www.mythicsoft.com/page.aspx?page=download&type=agentransack


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Windows 7 and Vista - (really) Lousy Search Functions

by petaj_44 - 5/8/11 2:09 AM

In Reply to: Agent Ransack by PKsteven

I have been putting up with Vista and Windows 7 and their really lousy search functions for years.

What I needed was a search that was similar to XP and thanks to PKsteven I have now got what I wanted.

Agent Ransack is just what the doctor ordered.

Many thanks

petaj_44


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