Hello,
I am using windows XP, Windows Explorer the search tool. I have tried many
options to find a Word file that I know was created in the last two months.
Lots of files are listed, but not this specific one.
So now I'd like to try locating the file based on a specific unique phrase
that is in the Word file, and I don't see a search option that will allow me
to search the contents of a MS Word document.

Lets say I am looking for a file that contains the text "This is unique text".

What do I need to do to locate the document containing that specific phrase?

Thank you,
Keith

"Keith" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:2174A73A-BA59-49EF-92DE-(E-Mail Removed)
> Hello,
> I am using windows XP, Windows Explorer the search tool. I have
> tried many options to find a Word file that I know was created in the
> last two months. Lots of files are listed, but not this specific one.
> So now I'd like to try locating the file based on a specific unique
> phrase that is in the Word file, and I don't see a search option that
> will allow me to search the contents of a MS Word document.
>
> Lets say I am looking for a file that contains the text "This is
> unique text".
>
> What do I need to do to locate the document containing that specific
> phrase?
>
> Thank you,
> Keith

I don't know why it's never been repaired, but XP's Search functions
do/will miss text searched for withing files. It's there; just look in
the options in the left hand pane - one of the choices is to search for
a word or phrase within the file.
Trouble is, it's not reliable. I don't recall whether it's indexing
or what the cause is/was, but if the folder isn't one of sime kind of a
group I've forgotten now, the searches fail.

Anyway, you've come across a common and annoying issue with win
Explorer's Find function. I recall one of the other posts had a good
recommendation and I can add to that PowerDesk.
PowerDesk is a full replacement for windows Explorer if you want it
to be, all the searches possible work in it, it's a dual-pane setup like
win9x used to use, all drives are listed and available at a single
click, and overall just a lot more friendly and easier to use. I used
the freebie version for a long time, then went back for the Pro version,
and let it replace win Explorer for me. Now anything that calls for win
Explorer opens PowerDesk instead.

http://www.avanquest.com/USA/softwar...-disk-software

Looks like the freebie version is no more; least I don't see it now.
Their PowerDesk 7 is the same version I use. Uses a form of Activation,
too.

HTH,

Twayne`

You`re welcome Don , although it has been recommended here many times
:-)





On Mon, 3 Aug 2009 14:43:13 -0700, "Don Schmidt" <Don
(E-Mail Removed)red_1987> wrote:

>Jim,
>
>Saw your response to use Agent Ransack; very nice program.
>I use Microsoft Publisher and at times would need to find a file of which I
>forgot the file name but did remember a phrase within the file. Windows XP
>couldn't find the file but Agent Ransack does!
>
>Many thanks for your offering.

Keith wrote:
> Hello,
> I am using windows XP, Windows Explorer the search tool. I have tried many
> options to find a Word file that I know was created in the last two months.
> Lots of files are listed, but not this specific one.
> So now I'd like to try locating the file based on a specific unique phrase
> that is in the Word file, and I don't see a search option that will allow me
> to search the contents of a MS Word document.
>
> Lets say I am looking for a file that contains the text "This is unique text".
>
> What do I need to do to locate the document containing that specific phrase?
>
> Thank you,
> Keith
Have you tried Google Desktop? Its a free download and use program.
I find it extremely useful - it finds words in emails, Word Docs, PDFs
etc. And its very fast.

--
Regards, Gary Wooding
(To reply by email, change gug to goog in my address)