Silly full text search?

Question

I'm looking for a simple windows tool that is able to go over all the files in a tree of directories and perform a full text search on all the files.
I simply don't trust the Vista search because it seems to be picky on which files it opens and it doesn't match partial words.
Anyone got a good suggestion?

Answer 1

I've used Agent Ransack for years and highly recommend it.

Answer 2

findstr:

findstr /s "foo" *

Answer 3

I use the free, open source FAR Manager for this:

  FAR Manager
  http://www.farmanager.com/

It's a native Windows application (32-bit and 64-bit versions are available) that uses text mode.

When you are using FAR Manager, use these keystrokes to get to the file searching feature after navigating to the desired path:

1. Alt-F7 (to bring up the "Find File" dialogue)
2. Fill in the desired criteria (text string, code page, plus some other options)
3. Choose "Search Area" (defaults to current directory)
4. Press "Enter" to start the search

Here's a screenshot:

Answer 4

If you're looking for a command-line program, try the built-in "findstr" command. It was recommended at http://stackoverflow.com/questions/87350/what-are-good-grep-tool-for-windows

I use it as my "windows grep" command since I don't have to download or install anything.

Documentation and examples for "findstr" are available at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb490907.aspx

Use /s to search all sub-directories. Here's the official example from technet for your finding a string in all files in a directory and all sub-directories:

To search every file in the current directory and all subdirectories that contained the word Windows, regardless of the letter case, type the following:

findstr /s /i Windows *.*

Answer 5

BareGrep does live, as you type search, and shows the context that matched. I've used AgentRansack too, but I really like the live search.

Answer 6

This seems like a solid program that can accomplish what you're asking for.

Answer 7

I believe Windows 7's explorer will do this with its search box, but if that doesn't work...

Try http://www.wingrep.com/