searchwindows 8windows 8.1
I have files and shortcuts on my desktop, when I use the search feature in 8.1 and type in the name of a shortcut on my desktop, it does not find it. This use to work amazingly well in Windows 7.
As you can see from the below image, the Desktop is selected, but I see no results from things on it, such as .lnk files. (Yes, .lnk files are added to be searchable.)
open the network connection windows, drag & drop the icon to the desktop:
this generates a shortcut. This works for several build in dialogs of Windows.
-?The following search expression will match all files that contain a - character:
~*-*
Explanation:
~ literal match
* wildcard match
- match the -
* wildcard match
So ~*-* will match all filenames with any characters before a literal - and any characters after a literal -
You can also " the search expression, so
"*-*"
will also work.
Best Answer
Does your Windows 8.1 has enabled the Search Index Service? Windows uses a library(or a database) call it as you like, to locate where the files are and return results faster. If Search Index Service is not running Windows won't know what files there is on your HDD. Please look at this article about enabling and making faster the Search Index Service http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/windows-8.1-index-files,2-748.html