Vista file search : how to locate groups of files

Hairy Scot

Member
In XP there were various search options to help locate groups of files.
For example: one option was to find all video files (AVI MPG etc).
It appears that Vista does not have this type of search option, or that I cannot find it.
Anyone know of a way round this, or perhaps where the options are hidden?
 

My Computer

In XP there were various search options to help locate groups of files. For example: one option was to find all video files (AVI MPG etc). It appears that Vista does not have this type of search option, or that I cannot find it. Anyone know of a way round this, or perhaps where the options are hidden?

I've always thought it odd that search doesn't have an automatic filter to show Video files, but perhaps this little workaround will do the trick:
  1. Initiate your search using criteria that you know will return some Video results
  2. In the result window, hover your mouse over right-hand part the header for "Type". You should see a drop-down arrow appear. Click this arrow.
  3. Wait for Vista to "Compute Filters". Place a check mark in the appropriate video file types to filter down the results to show only videos.
This screenshot shows what I mean:
FilteringSearches.jpg

This will incedentally work also for other type of searches!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9600 Quad
    Motherboard
    ASUS MB-M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi
    Memory
    2 x A-Data 2GB DDR2-800
    Graphics card(s)
    ASUS ATI Radeon HD 2400PRO
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAHARA 21"
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x 80GB Seagate (I) 2 x 120GB Seagate (I/S) 2 x 200GB Seagate (I/S) 2 x 250GB Seagate (I/S)
    PSU
    800W
    Case
    Thermaltake Tai-Chi
    Cooling
    Tai-Chi Water Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Keyboard
    Genius
    Internet Speed
    384kbps
    Other Info
    Currently dual booting between Vista x64 Ultimate Windows 7 BETA x64
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