find files

Having a bit of trouble with find files in XP. In windows 98, I could set the directory and set the containing text to something contained in the file, and it would search all the files in the directory for that text string.

In XP, I do the exact same thing, but if I search for something, even though I know it's there, it cant find it. If I put a letter in the containg text box, it only seems to search the filenames and not the actual files.

Any ideas?

 

XP should work the same way. I just tried and mine did.

Are you set to a case sensitive search? To search all files and folders? To search subfolders?

Or you can do what a number of us have done (and the reason I had to try the Windows search since I almost never use it these days) and download AgentRansack. Much faster and better search engine that the one with Windows Explorer. Free.

 

Case sensitive is off, all files and folders is on, subfolders is on.

Downloading the program now, thanks for the link and the help

I'd still like to know why the windows search isnt working properly though...

 

The problem you're having is a fairly common problem with XP. Requires a registry edit to fix it. Have a look here . I'm like Newt. Haven't ever used XP's search engine. I use PowerDesk and have always used the find fuction in it. I've heard a lot of good things about AgentRansack however. Just never got around to trying it as PowerDesk has always got the job done for me.