Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

Are there any tools for a Windows 7 PC that can perform file & folder searches on computer faster than the default Windows file search?

share|improve this question
What does "better" mean? You're not giving any useful information. What criteria are important to you? Most importantly: Which alternatives have you tried? – slhck♦ Feb 24 '12 at 9:34
1  
Note that the question title is usually too short to give all the required information. It was reasonable for @slhck to assume further unmentioned criteria from your use of better in the text, and ask for clarification. – Daniel Beck♦ Feb 24 '12 at 10:00
2  
& actually someone edited my question deleting a part of it which was relevant, where I said that windows search was slow for me. – user01 Feb 24 '12 at 10:07
2  
Removed the downvote. You said "Windows Search sucks ultimate! Too slow.", which doesn't really describe the problem, and some users here are really allergic to ranting (could explain another downvote). In any case, is there anything you tried as an alternative? – slhck♦ Feb 24 '12 at 10:09
2  
@Raystafarian, what the heck are you doing are trying to get an editor badge or something? o.O – Synetech Feb 24 '12 at 20:39
show 5 more comments

closed as not constructive by slhck♦, Moab, Mokubai, Simon Sheehan, studiohack♦ Feb 24 '12 at 22:10

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

2 Answers

up vote 8 down vote accepted

There is an application called Everything. Ever since I found it, I consider it a standard part of my operating system. It is so easy to find stuff using it - it's just insane!

There is a portable version (it's the one I use) which consists of three files you can put in any folder you like. The first file is the Everything executable, the second is a config file, and the third is a database of all the files scanned on your computer. Searching for files is instant.

The program is free and I love it. I hope it does for you what you need.

Here is a screenshot:

enter image description here

They used StarCraft for their search, so did I. Let me know if you like it!

share|improve this answer
2  
+1, But it's limited to NTFS and you must have administrator rights. – Benoit Feb 24 '12 at 9:49
1  
@extremko you're right, the post is fine. It had been flagged as "not an answer", and in my sleepy stupor (up late, noticed a flag) I deleted it, thinking it was self-promotion for the product. Apologies for the erroneous deletion. Welcome to Super User! – nhinkle♦ Feb 24 '12 at 10:41
1  
Thank you nhinkle! You are forgiven :-) – extremko Feb 24 '12 at 11:04
1  
woowww.. I'm loving it! AWESOME!! – user01 Feb 24 '12 at 11:07
1  
@user Glad you like it! Your reaction reminds me of my own when I found the program :-) – extremko Feb 24 '12 at 11:12
show 1 more comment
up vote 1 down vote

If you happen not to use NTFS or to have a non-admin rights, you can use updatedb from Cygwin to make a database of files on your computer, and then locate some_name to lookup for files containing that string. Warning, updatedb will explore every single mapped drive, you better have no network unit mounted; also you better don't have too many reparse points or substed drives.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.