How to Make Windows 7 Search File Contents

Two Methods:Enable Widespread Content-SearchingEnable Content-Searching for a Specific File TypeCommunity Q&A

Trying to find a document that you can't remember the file name, but know the contents of? Windows 7 does not always automatically search file contents, especially when it comes to more obscure files. This means if you type in a search term, it will search file titles, but not actually look through what is in each document. To enable either general content-searching (best for common file types) or file-specific content-searching (best for unusual file types), use one of the guides below.

Method 1

Enable Widespread Content-Searching

1. 
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   Right-click the Start button and select Open Windows Explorer.
2. 
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   Press Alt. This will cause a toolbar to appear near the top of the Windows Explorer window.
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   Go to Tools > Folder Options.
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   Under the Search tab, click Always search file names and content. Allowing this to process might take several minutes.
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   Press OK.
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   Run a test search. Go to Start and type a keyword in the Search Programs and Files box. The results should contain the keyword in more than just the title.

Method 2

Enable Content-Searching for a Specific File Type

1. 
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   Go to Start and find the Search Programs and Files box.
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   Type "search" then choose the result Change How Windows Searches.
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   Click the Advanced button just below the list of indexed locations.
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   Go to the File Types tab.
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   Select the desired extension and click Index Properties and File Contents to enable content-searching. If you want to search the contents of Excel files, for example, scroll down to .xlsx.
   

   • If the extension is not listed, enter your desired file extension, such as ".php," into the input box at the bottom and click Add.
6. 
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   Press OK.