Desktop Search

As most of you probably know the Windows Search is abysmal. It takes forever to index files, hogs CPU, and is just all around bad in every way due to the SearchIndexer.exe. However in theory it should be great.

What are alternatives to this Windows Search? Ive never felt the need to have anything supplemental here, but perhaps Im looking for something to increase my productivity.

 

Suggestions made in this recent thread might help: Need Replacement for Windows Search Feature?

 

Im looking for something that basically replaces the default Windows Search. The utilities there all run in real time from the tray.

 

I've used Locate32 and for what it's worth, it has never seemed to use any system resources while just sitting idle. It's also pretty fast. I'm guessing you are wanting a search tool that does not create some huge amount of data as it indexes the computer. It seems with these desktop search programs there is always some sort of give and take. But Locate32 has done the best job for me so far. I have Windows 7.

 

Try Everything:

http://www.voidtools.com/

 

+1 (also has an x64 version).

 

Do they allow you to replace the default Windows Search box with Locate32 and Everything?

 

since when? All I have to do is type 1 letter and a list of programs is listed in a milllionth of a second, so I think your greatly exagerating to say the least

 

Guess your not familiar with Windows Services.

The issue isnt the time it takes to search. Its the resources that the SearchIndexer.exe takes up time after time after time while building large indexes. Its supposed to run idle, but MS cant figure it out yet and it hogs resources.

 

I think you'll find the service is actually stopped untill you execute the process, it doesnt run idle once you close it stops, and restarts when required.

 

Then please for the love of god explain why I have already indexed the locations I have chosen, no files have changed, yet its still running?

 

For Locate32, I don't believe so, but then again there are a lot of settings available. Locate32 can integrate into the shell though.

I recommend avoiding Everything on x64 because it will miss some files due to file system redirection.

 

instant file find is the best IMHO

 

well then, I think you may have Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties: checked in hard drive properties.

uncheck it and you should be fine