Using Windows Desktop Search

Windows Desktop Search is a free add-on from Microsoft for Windows XP.  (It is built-in to Windows Vista)

 This is an indexed search of everything on your computer that is much faster and comprehensive than Outlook’s built-in search plus it searches across your archives, sent items, and all subfolders as well.  Initially, it takes several hours to build an index for the search so don’t expect to use it immediately after installation.

1.       Start it up.  If this is installed there will be a ‘magnifying’ glass on the bottom right of your screen near your clock (the system tray).

Double-click it the magnifying glass.

Vista users: search is built-in and can be found at the bottom of the Start Menu

Windows Search can be installed from here.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/desktopsearch/choose/windowssearch4.mspx?tab=Install%20It

 

Note: The Outlook 2007 search function is automatically connected to Windows Search .  Outlook 2003 search is not and should not be used, use the system tray icon instead.

 

2.       Search.  Search for words or phrases. 
Examples:

recipe
from:Sarah recipe
from:Sarah date:2009 recipe
from:Sarah date:2009 recipe

Windows Search Advanced Query Syntax

 

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/desktopsearch/technicalresources/advquery.mspx

3.       Adjust. You can adjust what is included in Windows Search

Right Click the magnifying class and choose “Windows Search Options”

Vista Users: Search for something then click Search Tools -> Search Options