Windows Explorer not finding text files 1

[judgehopkins]

I was told in another forum that this is the more appropriate forum to post the problem below (and I do apologize for the double-posting):

I have around 20K files on my computer that have numbers for names, e.g., 10-1234. If I want to search for a name inside a file, Windows Explorer will not do it.

E.g., I know that file number 10-1234 has the name John Smithsky in it; when I go to my computer and search for the string "smithsky" inside the file (i.e., leave "all or part of a file name" blank but put smithsky in "word or phrase in the file") WE will not find the file.

I am running Microsoft Word XP with service pack three (and ever since I downloaded SP3, I have had nothing but trouble).

One folder only is being searched;(for purposes of discussion, we will call the folder RECENT ORDERS; it is a folder on the server).

They are all Microsoft Word files.

Renaming is not an option.

bcastner gave me helpful info:

bcastner (IS/IT--Manageme) May 10, 2004
See the remarkable Kelly Theriot's web site for "S" search issues under XP.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_s.htm

If you have continuing issues, Forum779 is a better bet than this one for a solution.

Best,
Bill Castner

However, I prefer not to mess with the registry and/or download any new programs. (I know this may be necessary and I will talk with my network guru before I do it.)

Anyway, all help is welcome!

"If the people don't want to come out to the park, nobody's gonna stop them." - Yogi Berra

 

[bcastner]

See Alex Nichols note:

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...for+text+inside+files&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en

Essentially the Explorer search is intended for files that have no Unicoding. The best example is a pure .txt type of file.

See Alex's notes to add an additional persistent handler.

I would use a third-party tool for this task, if it is a common one. I use Agent Ransack:

http://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack/default.aspx

 

[judgehopkins]

As always, bcastner, you give sage advice; the program you recommended works great!