Search does not seem to search all locations

sargan · 30 Nov 2016

I have OS as usual on C:\
I have my docs\pics\videos\music located on E:\

The files search function does not seem to work correctly ..... does not seem to accurately search the E:\
If I drive the search down to a particular folder it works OK ... but does not seem capable of doing this itself.

I have looked st Indexed folder ... only shows C:/ how do I add indexing for E:\

help appreciated.

p.s. I did load 'search everything' that finds stuff straight away .. but would like to resolve W10 search feature.

dalchina · 30 Nov 2016

Hello, please see Control Panel, Indexing options. (Or search Settings for Indexing)
Best not to remove the defaults, esp. Users, or be very careful, as this can affect searching Settings etc.

Note that check boxes need to be enabled (they usually are) on the folder properties for search for contents to be indexed. Note further that you need the relevant 'ifilters' in place to have text file type content indexed, and that content indexing is not case sensitive.

Search does not seem to search all locations-snap-2016-11-30-13.57.48.jpg

Cortana file / folder search is limited to what's indexed and as such is a cut down version of search using file explorer.

This applies to Windows search (although I hugely prefer to use a 3rd party tool with GUI options)
Advanced Query Syntax (Windows)

sargan · 30 Nov 2016

Thanks could see 'D and E' locations were not ticked, have now ticked those .. but not changed any defaults.
Do I need to start a re-index ?

You mention you use a search tool with GUI .... what is the tool ? assuming the link for windows search is not it.

dalchina · 30 Nov 2016

Hi, having added locations, you should see the number of items indexed increase automatically- Control Panel, Indexing Options.

Fast indexing of almost all files and folders, but not content, 'instant' find-as-you-type results:
These freeware programs have been mentioned here many times.
Locate32 (older, my preference) - includes additional search of content including media tags, case sensitive.
Ultrasearch - not case sensitive, additional content search, modern maintained.
Everything by void tools - I don't favour this as it installs a service and uses resources the others don't. Features of Ultrasearch require using a beta version.

These can limit search by size, date, type, location, use regular expressions..... and are much faster than using non-indexed Windows search.

sargan · 30 Nov 2016

OK have installed Search Everything by voidtools ........... I'll try that for a while, if necessary I can try one of the others you mention.

dalchina · 30 Nov 2016

Last I looked, to get the extra GUI features, you needed v1.4beta. Maybe changed since then.

EdTittel · 01 Dec 2016

Dalchina: you still need the beta for advanced GUI stuff in Everything (Voidtools). I just checked.
--Ed--