Improving Windows File Search
1.33/5 (5 votes)
Nov 14, 2006
1 min read
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Checks what file-types are searched and allows additional types to be added (or removed) from the search-scope
Introduction
XP Windows 2000 & Windows 2003 do not search all files when performing a 'search for files containing text'. This utility shows you what file-types are checked while allowing you to add/remove types from the list searched. Easy and quick to use, ensures you really are searching what you think you are! The utility is a quick and easy way of ensuring searches 'for files containing text' are checking what they should be checking. Tool contains full help.
The Search Checker tool uses the Registry to see what file-types are being searched and whether Windows uses the default text search engine, or helper applications (EG. Excel for .xls file types). If user adds a file-type to the range of types searched, the default search engine is used.
After making any changes to the file-types searched by Windows, the desktop has to be restarted. The tool performs this; although the user is asked first!
To verify if Windows is searching all files, try the following:-
1. Create a new folder
2. Create a new .txt file with the contents of 'mummy'.
3. Save the file.
4. Rename the file with extension .hhh
5. Press F3 and search for files containing text 'mum'
Search Results:- There are no results to display!!!