Search function bringing back wrong results

Question

Hi all,

Having a strange problem with the in-folder search function in Windows 8.1 - it;s returning a huge amount of files that dont fit the filter.

I'm an artist and have a huge selection fo about 40,000 odd pictures, mostly tagged. If I go into one of the subfolders, and ask for a search with a specific tag, the system responds with a huge oamount of files which are neither tagged nor titled with the seach term I've typed in - files that are nothing to do with what I'm looking for.

Why is Windows returnign these results and how do I get it more specific?

thanks!

Paul.

Answer 1

Not sure I'm following this correctly:

Windows and w opens up the main PC search window and typing index just brings up a list of "settings" files, none of which seem to be anythign to do with search or indexing....?

Thanks again!

Paul.

(I did check the indexing options in the control panel, which confirsm the folders are indexed - or at least have indexing complete wirtten on them - is this the same thing?)

Bear in mind: it's not missing files, it's returning files that are not relevant to the search

Answer 2

Thanks for the reply.

Method 1 - was unable to fund any problems

Method 2 - nothing to do with my problem.

Answer 3

Have the relevant folders been completely indexed?  Check your status (and change options) by pressing Windows Key + w, type "index" and select Indexing Options.

Answer 4

Hi Paul,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Have you made any recent hardware or software changes to the computer?

I would suggest you to try the below methods and check if that helps:

Method 1:

Run the search and indexing troubleshooter and check:

1. Hold Windows key + X.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click on troubleshooting and click on view all.
4. Now check for search and indexing troubleshooter and click on it to run.

Indexing and Search: Frequently asked questions.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/search-index-faq

Method 2: If the issue still persists, you may run this troubleshooter and check the status.

Fix Windows Desktop Search when it crashes or not showing results: http://support.microsoft.com/mats/windows_search/en-us

Keep us posted if you face any issues on windows in future. We will be glad to help you.