Windows explorer search
This article briefs up about the proper and various uses of the search box in the Windows Explorer. I found similar articles many places but there was one drawback and I have sort of found a solution for that too, which will be mentioned on the way !!
So, that is the Windows Explorer which everyone knows about very well.. with the search box in the top right corner [Red colored box].
We may know a few techniques of using this great tool for finding a file. Like if you want to search for a needle in a haystack!
1. Search anywhere within the file name
This is one of the simplest technique. Just type in some text and Windows will find all the files that contain the text you entered.
For Eg.: You enter "net" and it returns files that have the text "net" anywhere in its name including its extension.
2.Search with a pattern
Now lets assume we know the starting or ending of a filename. We use an asterisk (*) for these kinds of searches.
File name starting with "net" : *net This search string returns all files whose names start with "net".
File name ending with "net" : net* Just similar to the above
The concept is very simple. We are telling Windows that anything can occupy the asterisk (*) sign in the search text.
3.Search for specific extension
So, that is the Windows Explorer which everyone knows about very well.. with the search box in the top right corner [Red colored box].
We may know a few techniques of using this great tool for finding a file. Like if you want to search for a needle in a haystack!
1. Search anywhere within the file name
This is one of the simplest technique. Just type in some text and Windows will find all the files that contain the text you entered.
For Eg.: You enter "net" and it returns files that have the text "net" anywhere in its name including its extension.
2.Search with a pattern
Now lets assume we know the starting or ending of a filename. We use an asterisk (*) for these kinds of searches.
File name starting with "net" : *net This search string returns all files whose names start with "net".
File name ending with "net" : net* Just similar to the above
The concept is very simple. We are telling Windows that anything can occupy the asterisk (*) sign in the search text.
3.Search for specific extension
What if you want files of specific extension like ".jpg" or ".mp3"?
There are two ways of doing this, one is by using the second step like *.mp3
other one is: ext:.mp3
The following shows the result of extension filter:
NOTE: Searching for the extension "cs" will also return files with extension "css". To avoid this use double quotes around the search text like "*.mp3"
Extension search drawback without quotes:
Extension search with quotes
[This was the drawback which wasnt mentioned in any other article i read so far.]
4.Mixed searches
Searching with one particular condition is well and fine but what if you want a file name which starts with some text and also has a particular extension too? How do you mix up searches?
Well Explorer has a provision for that too. Using the keyword "OR" or "AND we can specify multiple search texts
Note: OR, AND must be in capital letters.
Example 1: I want to find all "jpg" files or files which start with the text "family". Here is how you do it:
"*family" OR ".jpg"
Just use the quotes in case you want the search to be precise.
Example 2: I want to find files which starts with "cls" and also has an extension of ".cs". This is achieved by AND keyword as follows:
"cls*" AND "*.cs"
Result of a mixed search:
That describes all the simple search techniques that can be used in the search box. Combine various search types and conditions and find for yourself how each search affects the results.!!
The following shows the result of extension filter:
NOTE: Searching for the extension "cs" will also return files with extension "css". To avoid this use double quotes around the search text like "*.mp3"
Extension search drawback without quotes:
Extension search with quotes
[This was the drawback which wasnt mentioned in any other article i read so far.]
4.Mixed searches
Searching with one particular condition is well and fine but what if you want a file name which starts with some text and also has a particular extension too? How do you mix up searches?
Well Explorer has a provision for that too. Using the keyword "OR" or "AND we can specify multiple search texts
Note: OR, AND must be in capital letters.
Example 1: I want to find all "jpg" files or files which start with the text "family". Here is how you do it:
"*family" OR ".jpg"
Just use the quotes in case you want the search to be precise.
Example 2: I want to find files which starts with "cls" and also has an extension of ".cs". This is achieved by AND keyword as follows:
"cls*" AND "*.cs"
Result of a mixed search:
That describes all the simple search techniques that can be used in the search box. Combine various search types and conditions and find for yourself how each search affects the results.!!
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