UltraSearch: free search program that uses Master File Table for speed

I've been using UltraSearch (not to be confused with Ultra File Search) for a few months, replacing Locate32. UltraSearch searches file and folder names, but not file contents. The first search isn't necessarily fast, because the Master File Table needs to be read. Subsequent searches are fast though. UltraSearch needs admin privileges.

I don't use Everything because Everything as of v1.2.1.371 misses some files in \windows\system32 on x64 due to file redirection.

 

I've never seen it detect more than Everything. Both runs with *32.

I do prefer more up-to-date software though.

 

As an example, search for fsutil.exe. Everything lists incorrect details for one of the two fsutil.exe found on x64.

 

UltraSearch and Agent Ransack are the Best!

 

Only works for NTFS if i remember right, but for Windows that is not a big deal.
I liked it, but i think it had a few quirks.
When was the last update?

 

August 18th. I think i'll try it again.
TreeSize Free is also pretty good imo.

 

Not as quick though, but definitely thorough.

 

This is the most important feature to me...

I've tried other Search Tools that were fast,
but they offered poor Search results...

 

I've done more testing of Everything v1.2.1.371 and UltraSearch v1.50 in x64.

1) Both Everything and UltraSearch will not show hard linked files - see http://support.voidtools.com/everything/Troubleshooting. There are many hard linked files in Vista and Windows 7 within \windows. This is probably the true cause for the missing files that I had noticed when testing Everything awhile back.

2) When there are files of the same name within \windows\system32 and \windows\syswow64, Everything will show incorrect information for the file in \windows\system32, whereas UltraSearch will show the correct information for the file in \windows\system32. However, both programs show incorrect information when right-clicking the file in \windows\system32 and choosing Properties.

3) When there is a file in \windows\system32 for which there doesn't exist a file of the same name in \windows\syswow64, Everything lists the file but shows no details, whereas UltraSearch shows details.

The issues noted in points #2 and #3 are due to file system redirection in x64.

In summary, UltraSearch is better at handling file system redirection issues in x64 than Everything is, but UltraSearch isn't perfect either.

 

I never seen better search tools than "VX Search Ultimate"

 

How is it faster, since we're talking about speed here?

@Mr.PC: "Poor" is adequate enough for me, and many other users. I only need details when checking properties or opening the file.

@MrBrian: Great information there, thanks.

 

You're welcome . Everything seemed to be somewhat faster. Also, UltraSearch doesn't keep an index on disk, so on first use in a session it may be much slower than Everything.

 

I've noticed that, although my question is aimed at guest marketing his favourite product.

 

How is this better than just indexing your entire drive?

 

One of the things that I like about UltraSearch is that it doesn't use an index, a service, etc - i.e. it does nothing that should slow down your computer or use much disk space when not using it.

 

I thought you liked better performance?

 

I don't index anything. I'm just curious as to how it works differently.

 

It uses the NTFS Master File Table, which gives you file names and basic properties in seconds.

 

I see this search tools need admin rights to run... when you open things with these tools do they also run elevated?

 

What about Agent Ransack/FileLocator Lite ?
Many believe that it is the best Freeware Searcher...

 

Probably yes. Maybe PowerBroker Desktops could be used to change this behavior though.

If you use the x64 version of Agent Ransack, you won't experience this issue. I'm not sure about FileLocator Lite.

 

v1.6 is available.

Changelog

 

It's a really nice application! I'm glad we got these freebies at our disposal.

-edit-

Another one that seems good is FileSeek, and allows to search by using regular expressions as well. -http://www.fileseek.ca/

 

I think I read it uses the USN journal just like Everything.