Posted on 12/13/2024 10:24:58 PM PST by Paul R.
Is there a good way in Windows 10 or 11 to search multiple files for specified text? For example, let's say I've saved multiple ODT or DOC files into a specific folder and then want to go back and find any instances of the text string "Tahoe SSV" residing within those files. Alternately, the string might be a part number such as "283-75589A".
Basically, this is similar to a standard Web search, but for offline content on one's own SSD or whatever drive. I CAN do a Windows file search, specifying "file contents" but while it works for pdf files, it doesn't seem to work for ODT or DOC files, even if the DOC files are saved from MS Word. It also only indicates what file contains the text string -- if said text string is buried in a long document, the location(s) in the document is not found.
Files are missing?
I suspect Nargles.
“”getting sleepy””
C’mon, Man.
A cup of joe and you’re good to go!
Caffeine is still legal, for now.
Linux has that same search box. And it is searching before you are even done typing what you want. It will give you so many related results such as hidden config files you have to narrow your search terms like Paul actually wants to do. If it is there it will find it for you...
The file manager is one tool where Linux really does shine.
I use a program called “EVERYTHING”... It is free and fast and uses little CPU...
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/everything.html
It has in the upper corner a selection for searching just certain files... I mostly use it to search audio files, but there is pictures, video, documents, excusables, folders, and compressed options.... (or all)... Not sure if it will search text in documents or not.
A quick search comes up with this that says it will search through documents... but it may not be fast since it does not previously index them...
I use Agent Ransack by MythicSoft, a free download that lets you search for content words/phrases, file type, date range, title, etc.:
https://download.cnet.com/agent-ransack/3000-2072_4-10043846.html
Yes, that is the best IMO. Searches inside files, including ODT. And Agent Ransack 2016 (for Win 7 or higher) can be downloaded from here: Agent Ransack 2016 32/64 bit
I use “Notepad++” to search txt, html, aspx, etc. not sure if it’ll pick it up in doc, docs, or not. But it’s free and worth trying. Has a “find in files” feature.
Notepad++ will do what you’re looking for.
Search notepad++ download.
If you have Java installed then DocFetcher is a good lightweight utility. It will do what you want after you set the folders to be indexed.
https://docfetcher.sourceforge.io/en/index.html
But the greatest of them all is Recoll. It’s the graphical front end for the Xapian indexing engine. Looking at the download page I see that he asks for a small donation for the Windows build (5 EU) but if you cannot afford it or cannot use Paypal he will give you a download link for free. It is by far the best indexer out there.
Bkmk
Sometimes, once an app has gone from free to have to pay, sites like this can help...
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-websites-download-older-versions-software/
https://www.configserverfirewall.com/windows-10/windows-grep-command/
You can use a grep type command in windows....
Oof!
That’s actually sort of the situation I’m in — trying to find specifics in old (archived) records and such.
It’d also be useful for looking up something as simple as a phrase or sentence in a book or speech transcript or letter saved to HD.
Theoretically the file search function in Windows should be able to do this, by specifying file contents and then the text to be found, but it’s only working for PDF’s and (now apparently) TXT files. I sort of “get” (understand) that for ODT files, but not being able to look inside a doc file surprised me...
Interesting. Will that work for doc files?
Grep is available for use on Windows.
Noted!
Thanks for the several suggestions! I guess it wasn’t such a “weird” question after all. ;-)
I probably didn’t post the question at the “best time” to drum up answers, but, it looks like I have several good leads.
If anyone reads this, which of the above suggestions has the quickest learning curve?
(I woke up with a headache - what can I say?)
Windows 11 has a search box in the upper right when you open File Explorer (it used to be called Windows Explorer). If you don’t see it there must be some option to make it visible which you have to set. I would go nuts if I didn’t have this, I use it all the time.
Ditto this. Astrogrep is good as well (mentioned below the comment I am replying to.
Windows advanced file search is slow.
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