xp Explorer cannot search out text in binary files

[oldfg]

In Windows 2000 Explorer you can search for files
containing selected text imbedded in binary files
in a chosen folder. XP Explorer, however, can
only find text in files if the files are purely
text (.txt, .ini, etc.).

In my efforts to enable this capability, I have
devoted hours to trying to get XP Computer
Management in Help to turn on Indexing Service to
run a Catalog on the C drive (I haven't been able
to start the cataloging process). I have also
downloaded and installed MS Visio IFilter 2003
add-in. None of this has enabled Explorer to
search for binary files in a folder that contain
selected text.

I have also looked for stand-alone applications
that can perform this function, but have not
succeeded.

My need for this kind of search is because I have
a CD labeling application that records labeling
text in binary files. There are over 500 such
labels stored now, each with it's own binary file,
and I need an easy way of retrieving information
on musical compositions I have already researched
so I can paste them into new labels as needed. My
alternative to a computer search for text in
binary files is to eye-ball the hundreds of CDs on
my shelves. And in the computer age, you'd think
you wouldn't need to go through that every time.

Any help on turning on XP Explorer's ability to
find text in searches of binary files would be
appreciated. Or if anyone knows of a downloadable
app that would the same.

Thanks.

Oldfg

 

[David Candy]

Cataloguing and search work the same way, using the same files. Cataloguing is often slower to search (as it searches the catalogue then the file system.

Also note that stupid searching in previous versions of windows does not find ALL text in a file (that's just another lie that people who lack the intellectual firepower to understand searching often spread).

Type regedit in Start Run, navigate to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.txt\PersistentHandler

Copy what's there and put it in your program's extension. Again that won't find all text but will find the same text that previous versions would find.

 

[Tom Porterfield]

In Windows 2000 Explorer you can search for files
containing selected text imbedded in binary files
in a chosen folder. XP Explorer, however, can
only find text in files if the files are purely
text (.txt, .ini, etc.).

Any help on turning on XP Explorer's ability to
find text in searches of binary files would be
appreciated. Or if anyone knows of a downloadable
app that would the same.

http://support.telop.org/xpsrch.htm

Or

http://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack/default.aspx
--
Tom Porterfield
MS-MVP MCE
http://support.telop.org

Please post all follow-ups to the newsgroup only.

 

[oldfg]

David: Thanks a lot for your input.

--oldfg


Cataloguing and search work the same way, using the same files. Cataloguing
is often slower to search (as it searches the catalogue then the file
system.

Also note that stupid searching in previous versions of windows does not
find ALL text in a file (that's just another lie that people who lack the
intellectual firepower to understand searching often spread).

Type regedit in Start Run, navigate to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.txt\PersistentHandler

Copy what's there and put it in your program's extension. Again that won't
find all text but will find the same text that previous versions would find.

 

[oldfg]

Tom:

That Agent Ransack program did the trick. And best of all it is FREE!

Thanks for your help. The problem is solved!

--oldfg