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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Finder not working

Brenda Hyde - Jan 25, 2007 - 4:15 pm

I have a new laptop and the finder is totally different than I used to have. I have searched all over for info on how to use it. Can't

When I put in a word, it does not find the files containg the word in their name, it finds files with the work inside the text in the program.

I am totally frustrated. Why do they have to keep changing these.

Help.
Brenda

earthsaver - Jan 25, 2007 - 4:34 pm

I don't know from how old a Finder you're upgrading, but I assure you the Finder itself is mostly the same since the beginning. However, you're experiencing the wonders of Spotlight, Apple's search technology built into Mac OS X 10.4. You can limit the number/types of files indexed for searching in the Spotlight pane of System Preferences.

You can both prevent it from indexing certain types of files by unchecking them in the Search Results section, and you can prevent it from indexing any files in specific folders or volumes by adding them to the list in the Privacy section.

You'll also find when searching from inside a Finder window that you can limit your search to files contained in a particular folder and its subfolders by selecting that folder and then starting the Finder operation.

Does that make sense? There are a variety of accessories you can use to enhance Spotlight or eliminate it completely, but these are the basics. Please let me know what other specific behaviors frustrate you or where else you might be lost, and I'll do my best to simplify your experience and bring a smile back to your face.

- Ben

Brenda Hyde - Jan 25, 2007 - 4:53 pm

MY OLD system if I put in a word it only found files with that word in their name. It could be arranged alphabetically so I could easily find something. This finds files that do not have the word in their name. I can not find files I know I just created and have a specific word in their name.

I took everything off the preferences except document and it still finds all kinds of files with different names that do not have that word in the name of the file.

I really appreciate your help.

earthsaver - Jan 25, 2007 - 5:06 pm

One thing to do is to enter more words in the name or content of the file to find it faster. Retrieving the file from its saved location might be faster overall, though. Or, you'll find the Name criterion in the search criteria section when you choose File|Find or press Command+F. The Spotlight window also lets you sort by Date Modified, for example, so you can see the most recently changed files, the desired one likely appearing at the top of the list.

Brenda Hyde - Jan 27, 2007 - 3:48 am

I still can not find files by their name but I think it is me. I will try to get a book that helps me with this system.

I ordered the os book from Amazon and the book they sent me was an old version so it does not help me with many issues.

I don't think you can help me make this easy.

Thanks so much for your help. I will keep trying to figure it out. Right now I have my old laptop set up beside my new one and I just find for the file on it and then I know what folder to look for and find what I need. It is a big hassle, but I guess things have to change and I will have to change along with them.

Again, thanks. This is a great resource.
Brenda

earthsaver - Jan 27, 2007 - 10:44 am

Before you give on me so soon, I want to suggest an application that may ease your transition. You can use it to easily find files by name and of course there's nothing wrong with leaving it open in the background (perhaps hidden) so you can access it easily when you need.

NotLight was designed based on some of your own gripes about Spotlight. When you open it, I recommend checking Word-based and Case-insensitive, and choosing <= from the popup menu. Those three selections will resolve a list of items that contain the words typed yet may also contain other words.

Request a visit from Mary Poppins and you'll find out just how difficult Apple has so far made performing the same search in Spotlight.

Please give this a shot as hopefully it will at least remind you where you saved your files. Also, you may find each application's Open Recent menus helpful, as well perhaps as the Recent Items submenu of the Apple menu.

Anything else come to mind?

Brenda Hyde - Jan 27, 2007 - 10:54 am

Thanks that sounds like a good solution. I will look for it and give it a try.

Thanks so much.

earthsaver - Jan 27, 2007 - 10:56 am

You intention to "look" for NotLight, outside of punny, is a little strange, because I linked you directly to it.

Brenda Hyde - Jan 27, 2007 - 11:02 am

That is perfect. It works exactly the way I am used to and I can easily find things.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

I can not tell you how much I appreciate your help.

Brenda

earthsaver - Jan 27, 2007 - 11:06 am

Glad to hear persistence and patience still work wonders. Hey, fellow tech Bob W. also recommends EasyFind, which I agree presents a friendlier interface and result list that you might prefer.

earthsaver - Jan 29, 2007 - 4:50 pm

On Macworld columnist Christopher Breen's Mac 911 today:

If you’re frustrated by the Finder, Path Finder is a solid alternate route.