Windows XP - Find a word or phrase within a File
- Let the COMPUTER Do the WORK
When viewing a long file or Web page and looking for a particular
word or phrase - let the computer do the work so you don't
have to read or scan the file contents.
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Many applications have the find option under the EDIT menu:
Edit / Find (IE, Mozilla, Netscape, Word )
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Some applications have find under other menus:
Search / Find (NoteTab Pro)
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CTRL/F is a keyboard shortcut to the find menu within most applications
Be careful of options used with FIND
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Most applications can be told whether to do a case
sensitive search or whether only whole words should
be searched
-
Mozilla/Netscape searches from the point where the
cursor is currently located to the end of the
document UNLESS you tell it to "wrap around" - so
if you start a search after you've already scrolled past
the item you are looking for it will not be found unless you
specify "wrap around" or click at the top
of the file / document.
Windows XP - Finding Lost Files
Start / Search brings up a search window where you can
- search for pictures, music, video
- search for documents (by default only "My Documents" but can
modify with advanced options)
- search for all files and folders
- change your preferences for the search tool
Click on "documents" to get the basic search screen where you can
select
- search by file name (or partial file name)
- search for contents of the file (a word or phrase "anywhere in the file")
- file names are displayed in the right hand pane as they are found
- status information is displayed in the left hand pane during the search
(see below - shows search term or phrase, folders not being searched,
file currently being searched)
Changing preferences to "advanced" gives a window where you can
- search by file name (or partial file name)
- search for contents of the file (a word or phrase "in the file")
- and change the drive or folders where the search is performed
- or click for more options, advanced options, preferences
(arrows down = click to expand for more, arrows up = click to
contract)
The "More advanced options" expansion allows choices of whether
to search system and hidden files and folders, search subfolders,
or do a case sensitive search.
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