Windows 8.1 Search can't find files

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Windows 8.1 Search can't find files

by ChuckJTS-23427222252684036696820606199520 Dec 7, 2013 2:14PM PST

I figured out how to search but Windows 8.1 stopped searching for files. I type a word in the window and nothing happens after I hit enter.

I searched the web and suggestions say to use the charms menu but I haven't figured out how to search a thumb drive with the charms menu search.

When I insert a thumbdrive, the window opens and I type in the Search Toshiba (G) box and hit enter and nothing comes up and Windows can't find its own files on a thumb drive but it works on the C drive.

What gives?

I keep turning on another computer with Windows XP to do searches or I use Windows 7 and I can get around a little.

I'm frustrated. The screen shots on the internet and help doesn't seem to work or relate with my system. A lot of people put answers up on the internet that refuses to answer the hard questions.

Thank you in advance.

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ChuckJTS-23427222252684036696820606199520 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

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Your post answered my question and fixed the problem

by ChuckJTS-23427222252684036696820606199520 Dec 12, 2013 11:13AM PST

Thanks to your answer, it fixed my computer.

I was confused on deleting data. It said it was in use and couldn't be deleted but it worked none the less.

I can now search my thumb drive.

Thank you very very much!!!

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Answer

Which is why

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 8, 2013 2:07AM PST

Which is why I use other search apps and tools. My favorite is good old DIR. It's been around a long time (before the 1980's) and as such is very reliable.
Bob

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I suspect Windows 8 can't build an index for 14,000 files or

by ChuckJTS-23427222252684036696820606199520 Dec 11, 2013 1:19AM PST

I have over 14,000 files on a thumbdrive.

The thumdrive with a dozen files works. The thumbdrive with 14,000 files can't be searched.

If people are looking to Windows as a fully functional computer, ask Microsoft why it can't build an index for 14,000 files to do a search.

Back to Windows 8 forum

Techvedic · Accepted Answer · Dec 11, 2013 1:59PM PST

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Windows 8.1 Search can't find files

by Techvedic Dec 11, 2013 1:59PM PST

Hi,

Please follow these step. It really resolve your problem:

1.Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc

2.Optional: Sort by CPU

3.Find and Click "Microsoft Windows Search Indexer"

4.Click "End Task"

5.Go to the directory C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search

6.Delete the folder "Data"

7.You will directly see a new folder named "Data"

8.You're done, now the issue is fixed

Source: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1_pr-performance/windows-81-search-not-working/f030164c-707c-4819-b357-2ffe87a21bb1

Windows 8.1 Search can't find files

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