1

To test capabilites of the file search option in Windows Explorer I created a sample file named sample_code.h and sample_code.cpp on my disc with some text in them so they are not empty.

Now I try to search for those files by clicking on Start -> typing sample_code -> selecting documents tab -> search in File Explorer.

When I search the Windows Explorer for sample_code I don't get anything back. Even though the files are here where I left them.

How am I supposed to search for a file in Windows? What's the correct procedure?

Improve this question
4
  • Suggest Everything from voidtools.com an Open Source filename search tool which will be much more satisfying than search with Explorer.
    – K7AAY
    Commented May 27, 2020 at 18:47
  • In what location were they saved?
    – HelpingHand
    Commented May 27, 2020 at 19:01
  • 2
    Some may not like my opinion.. but the windows explorer search has sucked since anything post windows-9x and Nt4. "How am I supposed to search for a file in Windows?".. you use something NOT MADE by Microsoft. I have been using this for years.. but it is a paid app. @K7AAY suggestion is probably good. Microsoft search and search indexer suck. They tried to make it smart and failed (for 20+ years now). It will find worthless metadata in an excel file but fail to find simple text in a text file and they NEVER fix it.
    – Señor CMasMas
    Commented May 27, 2020 at 19:35
  • @HelpingHand It's nested six levels down in the disc. All folders that are represented in the path were created by me, no default folders were encountered.
    – sanitizedUser
    Commented May 28, 2020 at 0:05

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

If I am confined to use what comes in the tin, I use dir

cd \
dir /A:H-D /s sample_code.*

The switches:
/A All files
/S All subdirectories
:H Include hidden files
-D exclude directories (i.e., files only)

If I am free to suggest third party tools, use Everything from https://voidtools.com an Open Source filename search tool which will be much more satisfying than search with Explorer.

Improve this answer
1
  • The dir solution did not work. As @DualPolarity pointed out the location I have the files saved in is probably not indexed. However, voidtools did excellent job. Thank you.
    – sanitizedUser
    Commented May 28, 2020 at 0:04
1

If the locations you saved "sample_code.h" and "sample_code.cpp" are not indexed by Windows, they may not appear in searches.

Search indexing in Windows 10: FAQ

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .