Is there a way to get the old Search back?

(There may already be threads on this subject, but I didn't find relevant ones with my search.)

I liked the Search functionality better in previous versions of Windows (2000 Pro and Me, for example). When I use the search function embedded in Windows, it's almost always to search for files (and not to search the Internet or for people or the other options presented in XP) and I usually want the search range to be "all files and folders." With XP's Search function, this takes more steps than it did in 2000 Pro (or, I believe, in Me).

Is there a way to import the Search function from Windows 2000 into Windows XP? Alternatively, is it possible to set preferences in XP's Search to make it more like it used to be?

 

The best search you can find is Agent Ransack .

I don't think you can get search from a different OS to work. Give AR a try and I'm sure you will like it.

 

From the MythicSoftware website, Agent Ransack looks a lot like another utility I've tried, FindFiles from Snake Apps. They're both definitely much more powerful than the Windows tools and very useful when one needs them. But I'd like something extremely simple to use for those frequent searches. I haven't downloaded and tried Agent Ransack yet; will I be able to configure it to default to be the quick and simple search tool I describe wanting?

 

It's about as simple as it gets. You enter what you are searching for and tell it where to search if you have more than one drive and click search. It returns all instances of what you are looking for. It is much faster than built in search.

I installed it and used it once and deleted the shortcut to the regular search.

 

You're right. It's much easier to run a simple search in Agent Ransack than in the other one I downloaded. Thanks!

 

You bet....HTH

 

I agree with using Agent Ransack...I liked the program so much I bought the next version up FileLocator Pro (Same Company).

If you want Win2000 search back then download and install TweakUI from => http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx. Once installed start it and click on Explorer in the left-hand menu. On the right-hand side scroll down until you see "Use Classic Search in Exploer ". Check it off and click Apply...you now have a Win2000 search.

 

I did the same thing. I'm glad to see that someone agrees with me on the support of well-written software.

 

Hi Jim...

Yep, you are correct. I believe it was PeteC or Newt, can't remember who and it's not worth a search, turned me on to Agent Ransack and then also mentioned they use the full product. The rest is history...