String search doesn't work: 1

[jlockley]

In an attempt (futile so far) to change settings in a palm conduit I need to locate a string error. Searching for the probable string (which I planted in one file, so it does exist) using the "search file contents" option brings nothing.

Any ideas what might be up with this?

Also, is there a way to launch right into string search, if that is what I want, rather than first going through a folder/file search? Am I missing a setting?

I thought one of the big deals about Vista was the "improved" search capability. Not noticing much improvement at all, or is there something more I am not getting?

 

[linney]

Tips for finding files

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/73106209-6df0-432a-8cb7-df5d8ce02ec61033.mspx

The Syntax and methods mentioned here may help as they are virtuall the same. Basically you use Quotes around the text and either serach in the specific folder or use the Advanced Search as best you can, perhaps by putting the quotes in the "named" box?

Desktop Search Help
Advanced query reference

http://beta.search.msn.com/docs/toolbarts.aspx?t=MSNTbar_PROC_CompleteSearchSyntax.htm#A

Look at the Start Menu/ Properties/ Customize, make sure your options for Search are correct. There are several check boxes.

Making files visible via Folder Options by showing both Hidden and System files may help.



Extract Data From Text File
thread779-1469539: Extract Data From Text File

Or you could install Agent Ransack.
search with wildcards
thread1583-1412745: search with wildcards

 

[jlockley]

Thanks. I was searching with quotes and do bolean searches frequently. They worked to som extent on XP, or I just imagined it. The serach criteria seem to me way to extensive for the common user. I will have to wrap my head around them. Thanks for the link.

In this case I think my issue was that the string was in a file not indexed. Thanks for the pointer to index it.

I have start set to classic. Most of my data is organized, so that I search within the containing folder using Ctrl +F.

The search options of XP, 2k, etc allowed a file search or a quick and dirty string search. I have only been able to access the string search after the file search failed.

(Actually, I generally only use text search, not file search. I'd like a way to get to it easily without using qualifiers. I guess that's not an option.)