Using Find Files to search for files containing text with an "@" symbol

[Jason Armistead]

Hi

I am trying to search through some macro assembler source code, and I
need to be able to identify instances where certain variables are are
being accessed. The particular assembler uses the construct
"@variablename"

But when I enter that into the Containing Text box, it initially told
me that Indexing Service is not started. I didn't think I was asking
anything special.

But, I tried enabling Indexing Service just to see if that made a
difference. It did not.

It now tells me that one or more Indexing Service query parameters are
incorrect.

I can only assume that the "@" symbol has some special meaning - what
is it ? And how do I search for files containing text that is
prepended by the "@".

I cannot simply ditch the "@" as it makes the searches too broad and
can pick up too many "false positives". e.g. if I'm looking for "@B1"
I don't want to pick up instances of "TAB1", "JOB1", etc. which are
totally unrelated, nor do I want to pick up external symbol
definitions of B1 or its actual definition either. I only want to
look at where it is actually being read from or written to, which is
where the "@B1" construct comes about.

Any ideas appreciated.

Cheers

Jason

 

[Torgeir Bakken (MVP)]

I am trying to search through some macro assembler source code, and I
need to be able to identify instances where certain variables are are
being accessed. The particular assembler uses the construct
"@variablename"

But when I enter that into the Containing Text box, it initially told
me that Indexing Service is not started. I didn't think I was asking
anything special.

Hi

I suggest you install the free Agent Ransack, it a better search tool as well:

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


--
torgeir
Microsoft MVP Scripting and WMI, Porsgrunn Norway
Administration scripting examples and an ONLINE version of the 1328 page
Scripting Guide:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/scriptcenter/default.mspx