searching for text in pdf files

[mike]

Can anyone help. I am now unable to search for text
within a pdf file. I could when using Windows 98 but now
I have the "bigger and better" I can't get any search
results when searching for text in pdf files. Is this a
setup problem? I realise that it is possible to purchase
products that can carry out this function but am
disappointed that XP cannot.

Thanks to anyone who can help
Mike Connolly

 

[Torgeir Bakken (MVP)]

Can anyone help. I am now unable to search for text
within a pdf file. I could when using Windows 98 but now
I have the "bigger and better" I can't get any search
results when searching for text in pdf files. Is this a
setup problem? I realise that it is possible to purchase
products that can carry out this function but am
disappointed that XP cannot.

Hi

WinXP's search function filters out files to search in based on file
extensions (see further below).

Install the free Agent Ransack, it searches for text strings in *all*
types of files, and not just in a selection of "approved" file extensions
as the built-in search does. It's a *much* better search tool as well...

http://www.agentransack.com/default.aspx

Agent Ransack can save the search result to a file (or clipboard), as text,
comma separated text or tab separated text. E.g. Excel reads comma separated
text (csv) very well.

When searching for text inside files, Agent Ransack is also able to do a
preview of the lines the text was found in (just do a single click on the
found file).
Also, you can use regular expression on both the file name part and the find
text in files part.


If you still want to use the not so good search tool that comes with WinXP to
search for text in files, take a look at this:

Using the "A Word or Phrase in the File" Search Criterion May Not Work
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;309173

Or this:

Add Files to Containing text Searches
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_fix_search.htm