How to Improve / Replacement for Windows 7 Search
Good Afternoon -
The company I work for has almost 2000 workstations in 4 different, global locations. A few months ago, we started deploying Windows 7 instead of XP for new hardware deployments, during repairs, or departments at a time.
Overall, it was a great improvement. There is only one huge issue we are having with Windows 7 - the Search function. The departments which use this function the most are also usually searching for files on mapped drives - not local ones even though it causes issues too. We can search for many specific files which will appear with Windows XP - but not appear with Windows 7. There's nothing crazy about the files, either.
So - given the above, what may I possibly do to "fix" or improve the Windows 7 native search function? Below are the specs of what we are using as well as a list of what I've tried so far to remedy the situation. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - Thanks!
Specs:
Workstations: Windows 7 SP1 x32 Enterprise
Servers: (Ones that hold the file shares in which the Win7 machines are mapped to): Windows 2003, 2008, & 2008 R2
What I've Tried So Far:
- Searching Google & trying a few registry changes
- Ensuring that the sources were indexed (if possible which isn't on mapped drives)
- Tried 3rd party software like Google Desktop
Please Help! Thanks! - Ben
The company I work for has almost 2000 workstations in 4 different, global locations. A few months ago, we started deploying Windows 7 instead of XP for new hardware deployments, during repairs, or departments at a time.
Overall, it was a great improvement. There is only one huge issue we are having with Windows 7 - the Search function. The departments which use this function the most are also usually searching for files on mapped drives - not local ones even though it causes issues too. We can search for many specific files which will appear with Windows XP - but not appear with Windows 7. There's nothing crazy about the files, either.
So - given the above, what may I possibly do to "fix" or improve the Windows 7 native search function? Below are the specs of what we are using as well as a list of what I've tried so far to remedy the situation. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - Thanks!
Specs:
Workstations: Windows 7 SP1 x32 Enterprise
Servers: (Ones that hold the file shares in which the Win7 machines are mapped to): Windows 2003, 2008, & 2008 R2
What I've Tried So Far:
- Searching Google & trying a few registry changes
- Ensuring that the sources were indexed (if possible which isn't on mapped drives)
- Tried 3rd party software like Google Desktop
Please Help! Thanks! - Ben
Use Filesearchx
You'll recognize its similarity to PX
Free for non commercial use.
FileSearchEX is the no nonsense file search utility for Windows 7 (and others). It offers the simplified search interface like Windows XP yet in an updated and modern fashion. Unlike other search tools, FileSearchEX works very fast.
http://filesearchex.soft32.com/
You'll recognize its similarity to PX
Free for non commercial use.
FileSearchEX is the no nonsense file search utility for Windows 7 (and others). It offers the simplified search interface like Windows XP yet in an updated and modern fashion. Unlike other search tools, FileSearchEX works very fast.
http://filesearchex.soft32.com/
Built in search is usually sufficient...
Folder Options/Search Tab, and select the option to search All Files and contents in Non Indexes locations ( second radio button at the top)....
Usually helps tremendously...
Folder Options/Search Tab, and select the option to search All Files and contents in Non Indexes locations ( second radio button at the top)....
Usually helps tremendously...
Windows Desktop search or Google Desktop Search would be the preferred option
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ASKER
Thanks Guys -
Here are my replies...
thinkpads_user: THanks, but I've tried way beyond this - Plus I think i remember not being able to index mapped drives
centerv: Thanks - I'm going to give it a shot
johnb6767: I agree - already tried that, though
suhasbharadwaj: As mentioned in question, I've already tried both - Thanks
jcimarron: Thanks. I agree. I've used Everything on ALL of my personal computers for a couple of years now. I love it and it's a great app. Unfortunatly, I've tried it too and it doesn't index mapped drives - even if you add them to the list manually
Thanks All!
Here are my replies...
thinkpads_user: THanks, but I've tried way beyond this - Plus I think i remember not being able to index mapped drives
centerv: Thanks - I'm going to give it a shot
johnb6767: I agree - already tried that, though
suhasbharadwaj: As mentioned in question, I've already tried both - Thanks
jcimarron: Thanks. I agree. I've used Everything on ALL of my personal computers for a couple of years now. I love it and it's a great app. Unfortunatly, I've tried it too and it doesn't index mapped drives - even if you add them to the list manually
Thanks All!
ASKER
jcimarron: Check that & reverse it. Just read about Everything's ETP server. Trying to set up now - Thanks!
"- Plus I think i remember not being able to index mapped drives"
I think the drives on the remote system need to be indexed as well to be able to do this....
I think the drives on the remote system need to be indexed as well to be able to do this....
ASKER
Okay - I had used Everything's local searching for a couple of years now, but just found out about the other features. I was able to set it up on each server as a system service, index the folders I wanted, then create an HTTP server with it.
Thanks
Thanks
BenKellermann--You are most welcome! Are you aware of the various Everything help pages?
http://www.voidtools.com/faq.php
http://www.voidtools.com/faq.php
... Thinkpads_User