15

I can't use the Windows 7 File Explorer search successfully. If I enter a search string, for instance car in the search box, I just get No files found, despite obviously having several files that match the string (blue_cars.jpg, carrot.gif) in the current folder. I have edited the search options so that both file names and contents are searched, even if they are not indexed.

What am I doing wrong here?

Gruber
  • 2,271

5 Answers5

6

Rebuilding the indexing database worked for me! Rebuild it from zero. Then try.

To rebuild it:

  • Click Start
  • Search for "index" and then select "Indexing Options"
  • Click "Advanced".
  • Click button that says "Rebuild" and it will delete and rebuild your index file.
Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007
  • 113,841
xylosx
  • 61
5

In Windows Explorer search box prefix your search with name:

i.e. name:car

Don't ask me why it does not find files by simply typing in just car, it' s just another Windows' oddity.

enter image description here

Marco Demaio
  • 244
5

I think you search some thing that windows 7 indexing not working on it. Go to the control panel → indexing options → Select Modify and select any location for indexing because windows explorer use indexing to find data on the computer.

I recommended to use Total Commander as file manager that has many many features specially great file search tool.

moffeltje
  • 103
Kaveh
  • 759
1

First you have to check the Index of the Drive is checked or not

enter image description here

After that you have to start the searching and after that you found the problem than make sure that the file you are searching is there in that drive

SaviNuclear
  • 199
0

Make sure that you have the Windows Search Service enabled. If it is not enabled, indexing will not be available and File Explorer will not give you an error.

You can enable it (or check it's status) in one of two ways:

By running services.msc

  1. Run services.msc (from the run window, Windows+R and enter services.msc)
  2. Double-click Windows Search in the list
  3. Change the Startup Type to "Automatic (Delayed Start)"
  4. Click the Start button

From an elevated command prompt

  1. This gives you a higher permission level to start and stop services, among other things. Here are two different ways to do it:

    • Press your Windows key and type cmd, then hold down CTRL+ALT+SHIFT and press ENTER, or
    • Press your Windows key and type cmd, then right-click and choose "Run as Administrator".

  2. In the command box, type net start wsearch and press enter. It should respond with:

    The Windows Search service is starting.

    The Windows Search service was started successfully.

At this point, you should see folders listed in the indexing Either of these ways will start the Windows Search Service.

pbarney
  • 793