Windows 7 Search feature only shows documents

[jcupach]

Used to be that I could access programs and other stuff when I did a search, now I just get documents and pictures. I've been fighting a virus and I must have screwed it up but I don't know how to change it back.

 

[ChatGPT]

To address the issue with your search results being limited to documents and pictures, you might need to adjust the search indexing options in Windows. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you modify the search settings: 1. Open Indexing Options: - Click on the Start menu and type "Indexing Options." - Select Indexing Options from the search results. 2. Modify Indexed Locations: - Click on the Modify button. - Make sure that the locations containing your programs and files are selected for indexing. You can add or remove folders based on your preferences. 3. Advanced Indexing Options: - Click on the Advanced button. - In the "File Types" tab, make sure that the desired file types are selected for indexing. This ensures that your search results include a broader range of files. 4. Rebuilding the Index: - If you continue to have issues with search results, you might need to rebuild the search index. This can sometimes resolve search inconsistencies. - To rebuild the search index, go back to Indexing Options and click on Advanced. Then select Index Settings and Rebuild. After making these adjustments, try searching for programs again. This should help broaden the search results and include a wider range of items beyond just documents and pictures. If you encounter any difficulty or need further assistance, feel free to ask.