Search mysteries in xp

[Cheska99]

I've finally got one of my computers to run search really fast--and it's
becoming a really useful tool for me, finally. But I'm confused about many of
its ways. For example, when I look to see where the file it's found is
located, it will give me incomplete information. It says a file is on my
desktop, but it's not visible to me on the desktop and must be within at
least one folder. Do you know of any good tuts that delve deeply into the
search feature so that I can really make it work for me?

 

[Brian A.]

I've finally got one of my computers to run search really fast--and it's
becoming a really useful tool for me, finally. But I'm confused about many of
its ways. For example, when I look to see where the file it's found is
located, it will give me incomplete information. It says a file is on my
desktop, but it's not visible to me on the desktop and must be within at
least one folder. Do you know of any good tuts that delve deeply into the
search feature so that I can really make it work for me?

You don't mention what file and/or type it is. It may be that it's a hidden
file if it is not a file you have created and placed where the path reports the
file is at.
To see Windows hidden files:
Open either MyComputer or Explorer.
On the Menu bar click Tools > Folder Options.... > View tab.
Put a check in the box for "Display the contents of system folders".
Put a tic in "Show hidden files and folders".
Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types".
Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files".
Click Apply > Ok.

When you have finished your search, reverse the above to disable visibility of
the System/Hidden Files/Folders/Extensions.

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375