Windows Search

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Windows Search
Basic data

developer Microsoft
Current  version 4
(2008)
operating system Windows XP , Windows Server 2003 , Windows Vista , Windows Server 2008 , Windows Home Server , Windows 7 , Windows 8 , Windows Server 2008 R2
category Desktop search
License Proprietary
German speaking Yes
www.microsoft.com/windows/desktopsearch

Windows Search (WS, also called MSN Desktop Search and Windows Desktop Search in older versions ) is a desktop search program that uses filter criteria to find certain documents , files and e-mails accessible by a user on the hard drive of a Windows system and in the network (on UNC shares) and enables a fast full-text search. WS can replace the classic file search of Windows Explorer within the Windows XP operating system . For the "quick search" WS integrates an input field in the Windows task bar (Windows XP) or in the start menu (from Windows Vista). The hits are listed in a drop-down window as soon as they are typed. Windows Explorer is used for the "advanced search" (this includes setting the filter criteria, sorting and preview).

Since Windows Vista , WS has been an integral part of the operating system. WS is offered as an optional update for Windows XP . Microsoft Outlook 2007 and 2010 preferably use Windows Search for the "quick search", but do not necessarily require it.

WS is also offered in German. The download and use of WS are free on Windows.

Supported data sources

According to Microsoft, Windows Search searches more than 200 common file formats, including e-mails , documents , pictures , music , videos and PDF files.

Windows Search can be expanded with plugins, so-called iFilters , for indexing new file formats. iFilter are filter modules that can understand the internal structure of a certain file type and extract the information that can be used for indexing. They are usually offered by independent manufacturers who want to make their in-house document types accessible to Windows search. This allows the search function to search for other formats such as B. zipped archives ( ZIP ) or MindManager can be expanded. The Windows Indexing Service also uses such iFilters.

Database / technology

WS catalogs all files corresponding to the filter criteria, determines the relevant keywords based on a frequency analysis and saves the index data in a database. Microsoft's JET -DB technology is used (which is also used for storing the Exchange Server information store). The index data is thus available in a single EDB file (Embedded Database), which is stored in the user's profile.

WS can replace the classic file search. However, WS will only find files that have been indexed. Indexing takes place either on command, or (by default) in the background or while files are being accessed. To search for files that are not part of the indexed directories, you have to switch back to the classic search.

Differences to other desktop search programs / unique selling points

In contrast to other desktop search programs, Windows Search can also meet the requirements for use in (Windows) networks:

  • The most important "unique selling point" is the ability to control the configuration network-wide via the Windows group policies ( Group Policy Objects GPO). The desktop search Lookeen Search also offers GPO support from version 2.0.
  • In the case of shared network drives, the WS can compare the existing index of the server with its own index, provided the server also offers the Windows search services. However, the index search on Windows Server does not work in combination with deduplication or with DFS namespaces.
  • It is also possible to exclude individual folders from the search directly in Explorer.

Alternatives

See list of desktop search programs

System requirements

  • Microsoft Windows XP (at least SP2 for WS Version 3), Windows Server 2003 SP1, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Home Server, Windows 7, Windows 8
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher
  • For e-mail indexing: Microsoft Outlook 2000 or higher, Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 or higher. Plugins for other email clients are available on the web.
  • For previewing Microsoft Office documents: Office XP or higher

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Widows Search not working with Data Deduplication? In: social.technet.microsoft.com. Retrieved August 15, 2016 .
  2. ↑ WDS 4.0 and DFS. In: social.msdn.microsoft.com. Retrieved August 15, 2016 .