Set Windows Search to Index a File Type’s Properties Only

Windows 7’s search engine has the ability to search using a file’s contents and properties or its properties only. Searching using properties only is faster but less thorough and searching using properties and contents is more thorough but a little slower.

Index a File Type’s Properties Only

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
2. Open Indexing Options in the Control Panel.

   

   Note: If Indexing Options is not available, change View by to Large icons at the top right of the Control Panel.

3. Click the Advanced button in the Indexing Options window.

   

4. Select the File Types tab in the Advanced Options window.

   

5. Search for the file’s extension in the list, select it, and then choose Index Properties Only under How should this file be indexed.

   

6. Click OK to save the changes and close the Indexing Options window.

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Explore other guides about: Guides • System Management and Maintenance • Indexing • Search.

Related Guides:

• Set Windows Search to Index a File Type’s Properties and Contents
• Choose Which File Types to Index
• Prevent Windows Search from Indexing a File Type
• Change the Search Index’s Location
• Rebuild the Search Index

One Response to “Set Windows Search to Index a File Type’s Properties Only”

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1. Chad Owens says:

   November 11, 2009 at 8:04 am

   This is great, but how about if I want to ONLY search the file properties for ALL files – thats a hell of a lot of boxes to untick – is there an easier way? There has to be an easier way….

   Reply