False search results for files in folders

musicollector · 11th July 2008

I am using XP SP 2. When I search for files/folders that I KNOW are there, the Windows Search utility says they are not found. Of course, I have double-checked to ensure I am looking in the right place.

Any ideas?

TIA

**Steve R Jones** · 11th July 2008

Is it a system/windows folder? Are you using the Advanced Search options?

**PeteC** · 11th July 2008

Alternatively consider using another search engine - try Agent Ransack (freeware) - I have used the Pro (pay) version for years without issue and 100% success.

musicollector · 14th July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve R Jones

Is it a system/windows folder? Are you using the Advanced Search options?

Yes, Start | Search | For Files or Folders | All Files and Folders

musicollector · 14th July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteC

Alternatively consider using another search engine - try Agent Ransack (freeware) - I have used the Pro (pay) version for years without issue and 100% success.

Thank you. I tried that and it is SO good. I would still like to get the original problem resolved.

BTW, is there any way I can make the system Search function point to this great software? I gather it will be a registry hack...

**broni** · 14th July 2008

Windows search is simply unreliable tool.
I use Super Finder: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/...r-Finder.shtml

**PeteC** · 14th July 2008

Quote:

BTW, is there any way I can make the system Search function point to this great software?

I very much doubt that is possible - put a shortcut to AgentRansack on your desktop if you will use it regularly.

surferdude2 · 14th July 2008

I find pinning AR it to the Start Menu to be very useful. Just right-click on the executable (agentransack.exe) and select "Pin To Start Menu." Then rename it to your liking. I call mine SEARCH. (very creative, what?)

**broni** · 15th July 2008

Super Finder search installs under right click menu, so you don't even have to click on any desktop icon to perform search.

musicollector · 18th July 2008

Thanks for all your quick responses and very helpful suggestions - one reason I keep returning to the experts in this newsgroup over many others.

I did not have to even pin anything to the Start Menu! Apparently, Agent Ransack is intelligent enough to place itself just below the Windows utility under Search in the Start Menu automatically!

I have decided to install Super Finder in addition to AR because I like the context menu option. Both are wonderful tools. No more of the erratic Windows system utility.

Thanks again.

**broni** · 18th July 2008

Cool