Easily Search Any File on Windows Vista

When was the last time you needed an important file and didn't know where you have saved it? I bet most of you might have faced such a situation lately. In fact, most of us do not organize files properly in our hard disks and often forget the file names or file location. And we spend lots of precious time in searching for the files in the hard disk.

It is here that the Windows Vista Search comes handy. It has never been easier to locate the files, picture or movies that you have stored in the hard disk.

The instant search feature in Windows Vista makes sure that you are just a few key strokes away from the files that you need. The 'fast-as-you-can-type' search instantly scans file and application names, metadata, and the full text of all files, and groups your results by category: Programs; Files, including documents and media; Favorites/Internet History; and Communications, including e-mail, events, tasks, and contacts.

The advantages of Vista search compared to the previous versions of windows are:

1. Search from Anywhere - Search boxes are available almost everywhere in Vista. One needs to just type a file name, a property, or even text contained within a file, and Instant Search will return pinpointed results.

2. Instant Search capability - search as you type. You don't have to type in the entire search keyword. Vista starts searching as you type

3. Groups search results by category - The search results are grouped into Programs; Files (including documents & media); Internet history / favorites; and Communications.

4. User friendly - The Windows Vista search is the most user friendly version of Windows search to date.

5. Search within text- This is a very useful search feature. Often we forget the names of the files but we remember something about the content. Now windows Vista makes it possible to search files using the text content.

6. Easy accesses to tools that can help us refine our search or search across the Internet using our favorite search engine.

7. Tagging your files - You can search and organize files in numerous ways, based on the metadata assigned to them. Many of your files already contain useful metadata. For example, Microsoft Office automatically records certain document properties, such as author and date created. Windows Vista also gives you ways to apply custom properties to your files.

Search Procedures:

1. To find a specific file, application, or Internet Favorites, using the mouse, click on the Start menu-or press the Windows key on the keyboard-and start typing in the embedded Instant Search box. You only have to type a few letters before you start seeing the most relevant results

2. You may also use the Instant Search in the top-right corner of the new Windows Vista Explorer. It's always with you when you're using the Documents Explorer, Music Explorer, Pictures Explorer, and the new Search Explorer. Instant Search also appears in the redesigned Control Panel and in Windows Internet Explorer 7, Windows Photo Gallery, and even Windows Media Player 11.