which is the proven fastest way to search for and find a file ?

[kalos]

hello!

which is the proven fastest way to search for and find a file ?

thanks!

[IainB]

I don't know which is proven, but the quickest method that I know of is to install Locate32, which periodically updates its database index of all your files.
When you look for a file name or part-name, Locate32 instantly gives you a listing of matches, and it greys out the file icon for any that have been deleted (are no longer there) since it last did its database update.

Its very fast, because it is an index that is being searched.
Carrying out a real-time search from a file explorer is otherwise not so quick!

[rgdot]

In my experience

Locate32 like mentioned http://locate32.cogit.net/
Everything http://www.voidtools.com/
Quick Search http://www.glarysoft...lities/quick-search/

[40hz]

I use Everything.  

Unbelievably fast even if you don't keep the background index regularly updated.

[MilesAhead]

I never noticed Quick Search before. I just tried it. The response typing in the search seems fast. But it could use more options. For example I type in a folder name and it finds 2 or 3 matches. But it won't let me select the 3 matches and hit Enter to open all the folders.  Seems to want double click with the mouse.

Also on double click, it insists on opening the folder window maximized.  Could be nice with a few improvements though. Also I really don't see the need for an installer with this type of utility. Just unzip to an empty folder should be good enough.

The other thing is hard-wired hotkey of double pumping the Control key. Not conducive to triggering with another app. I have a hotkey set up for Shift-Backspace. If Everything Search is running, it handles the hotkey. If not, I activate UltraSearch window if present or run UltraSearch if not already running. It's nice to be able to chain in 2 or 3 similar utilities to one hotkey so I can change which one I use without having to remember to hit a different key combination.

[widgewunner]

Remembering where you put it in the first place.

[Jibz]

I would say it depends on if you are searching for a file by its name or contents, and (to some extent) if the filebase you are searching is largely static or changes a lot.