XP "Classic" search in Windows 7?
It took a lot to make me change from XP, but I do like Windows 7 which I'm now running on a couple of machines. However . . .
The thing I miss is the 'classic' explorer search function which gave a no-nonsense way of finding any set of files on your computer (indexed or not) with proper wildcarding and various other settable criteria.
OK, Microsoft search V4 (or whatever it's called) has all sorts of bells and whistles, but I'm finding it unwieldy to use and find myself opening a DOS box for speed.
Google finds a lot of posts from other people who liked the old search, but no answers.
Has anyone here found a utility which replicates the old search functionality?
The thing I miss is the 'classic' explorer search function which gave a no-nonsense way of finding any set of files on your computer (indexed or not) with proper wildcarding and various other settable criteria.
OK, Microsoft search V4 (or whatever it's called) has all sorts of bells and whistles, but I'm finding it unwieldy to use and find myself opening a DOS box for speed.
Google finds a lot of posts from other people who liked the old search, but no answers.
Has anyone here found a utility which replicates the old search functionality?
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FileSearchEX is the perfect alternative to the Windows 7 search (or lack of) interface. It's almost exactly like the classic XP search window, minus that stupid dog. Just make sure you run the registry alteration (the .REG files) so that it gets applied to the right search menu and what not.
http://goffconcepts.com/products/filesearchex/
The most similar Windows 7 method to classic XP is to right-click a folder, select 'Open in new window', and then use the search bar in the upper-right corner. But that way is large, clunky (just 14 files & folders take up the whole screen), and I can't find an easy way to search just files names or just a word in a file.
http://goffconcepts.com/products/filesearchex/
The most similar Windows 7 method to classic XP is to right-click a folder, select 'Open in new window', and then use the search bar in the upper-right corner. But that way is large, clunky (just 14 files & folders take up the whole screen), and I can't find an easy way to search just files names or just a word in a file.
The answer was a long time coming (18 months) but that's the one!
Just what I was looking for - Many thanks.
Nov 13, 2011. 7:11 PMUSvet
says:
Thanks for the heads up. Actually I like the Dog in the XP search. It's a shame when they ""upgrade" things they don't ask what we like and dislike before they throw the baby out with the bath water! Thanks again.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-search
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/create-a-windows-xp-classic-start-menu-in-windows-7/46158
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/create-a-windows-xp-classic-start-menu-in-windows-7/46158
Aug 9, 2010. 7:28 PMmarkinboone
says:
In Win7 there's no UP button because you can click on the folder in the path at the top to go to that folder. So if you're in C:\Users\Default\Desktop you can click on Default in the path to go UP to that folder. Click on Users to go up 2 folders. It's actually a little easier if you get used to it. Want to go to a different folder that's on the same level as the one you're in? (up one, down another)... hold your mouse over a folder name in the address bar and all its subfolders are listed. Take your pick.
Mar 13, 2010. 7:02 PMpcunite
says:
Yes I am using one! It is called FileSearchEX and it works like a champ. classic search for Windows 7 is here baby! Now does anyone know how to get the UP button for folders? goffconcepts.com/products/filesearchex
Jul 24, 2010. 1:10 PMsnakelips
says:
Regarding the UP button, check out Classic Shell (http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/gallery.html). It puts the up button back, along with restoring a great number of other XP features that seem to have been deleted or hidden in Windows 7. -snakelips
Feb 5, 2010. 5:51 PMMahavishnuMan
says:
Well, the search is there - in any explorer window you open. Go into My Computer, and look in the upper-right corner; you'll see the search. To my knowledge, I believe it bases its search on the settings you have in Folder Options under Control Panel (with regards to searching hidden files and folders, system folders, &c.).
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