Setting | What It Means | Recommendation |
---|---|---|
In indexed locations, search filenames and contents. In non-indexed locations, search filenames only. | Windows 7 looks for filenames and, in indexed locations, the contents for file types you have chosen. | You probably want to pick this setting. |
Always search filenames and contents (might be slow). | Ignore the index and crawl through the contents of every file. | Slow isn’t the right term — try glacial. Rather than use this option, modify the index to add the folder or drive you want to search. |
Include subfolders when typing in the Search box. | Windows 7 looks in the current folder and its subfolders. | Leave the check box selected. |
Find partial matches. | Match anywhere in the word. | Leave the check box selected. |
Use natural language search. | Type search strings in a less structured way. For example, typing by Woody will retrieve everything with Woody listed as author. | If you select this check box, Windows 7 can get confused when you try to do a “regular” search. |
Don’t use the index when searching the file system (might be slow). | Ignore the index entirely. | You can use this setting if you think your index is broken, but otherwise don’t select the check box. |
Include system directories. | Include system folders when searching for files. | Only click this if you frequently search for system files because the searches will take longer. You can always go to c:Windows to search for system files. |
Include compressed files (ZIP or CAB, for example) | Look at the filenames of the files inside compressed, which are normally ignored by the indexer. | Selecting the check box will slow performance. Besides, if the compressed file is in an indexed location, both the filename and its contents are indexed by default. |