Explorer Search

Hi,

When I use the "search" option in the Windows Explorer, I'm getting some
wierd results. One of the most useful features of the program is its
ability to find a word or phrase INSIDE a file. However, this doesn't seem
to be working.

I've typed in words that I know exist somewhere in a file of a specific
directory, but get no results. I then typed "the" in the text search
criteria, but only got files with "the" in the title. This doesn't make
sense. I should have gotten that result if I used the search field above
this one, where searching by title is what you want. I then put "a" in the
text field search, and got all kinds of files, even those that didn't have
"a" in the title.

So the search field that says, "A word or phrase in the file" not only
doesn't seem to work, it doesn't work the same way every time.

Does anyone have any idea as to what's going on?

Thanks.

By default, XP only includes certain file extensions in the "containing
text" searches. See www.dougknox.com, Win XP Fixes, Windows XP Search
Problems for a partial work around. Some users are using Agent Ransack,
www.agentransack.com as an alternative to XP's search limitations.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows XP/ Windows Smart Display
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
--------------------------------
Associate Expert
ExpertZone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
--------------------------------
Please reply only to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.

"Curt Emich" wrote in message
...
Hi,

When I use the "search" option in the Windows Explorer, I'm getting some
wierd results. One of the most useful features of the program is its
ability to find a word or phrase INSIDE a file. However, this doesn't
seem
to be working.

I've typed in words that I know exist somewhere in a file of a specific
directory, but get no results. I then typed "the" in the text search
criteria, but only got files with "the" in the title. This doesn't make
sense. I should have gotten that result if I used the search field above
this one, where searching by title is what you want. I then put "a" in
the
text field search, and got all kinds of files, even those that didn't have
"a" in the title.

So the search field that says, "A word or phrase in the file" not only
doesn't seem to work, it doesn't work the same way every time.

Does anyone have any idea as to what's going on?

Thanks.