Looking for a specific file or program on your computer can be a difficult task if you do not remember where the item is stored. You can perform a standard search on a computer running Microsoft Windows 7, but it may not return the file you need. A standard search uses the computer's index for the search. Performing a full search on your entire computer allows the search function to look through items beyond the primary computer index for a more comprehensive search process. This Windows 7 tutorial provides instruction on how to create a full search in Windows 7.

Prepare you computer to make setting changes or modifications to your computer by closing open programs and folders. This step minimizes confusion due to a cluttered desktop.

Right-click on the start menu and select, "Open Windows Explorer". On the top menu bar, click "Tools" and on the drop-down menu, select "Folder options". Click on the "Search" tab at the top of the box.

In the "What to search" box, select the radio button next to "Always search file names and contents". While this type of search takes longer than the standard index-based search, it provides a more comprehensive search. After you have completed searching for your file, come back to your settings and select the "In indexed locations, search file names and contents in non-indexed locations, search file names only" setting. This option requires less time and is often sufficient for basic search needs.

Check out the how tos below to learn other tips for the Windows 7 Operating System:

1. How to Burn Disk Images in Windows 7
2. How to Change the Taskbar Clock Setting in Windows 7
3. How to Change What the Power Button Does in Windows 7
4. How to Combine Apps and Make the Taskbar Smaller in Windows 7
5. How to Create a Full Search in Windows 7
6. How to Create a Virtual Hard Disk in Windows 7
7. How to Display Empty Drives in Windows 7
8. How to Dock Window from Left to Right to Center in Windows 7
9. How to Encrypt a USB Drive in Windows 7
10. How to Magnify the Screen in Windows 7
11. How to Make Your Background a Slideshow in Windows 7
12. How to Minimize Hide Expand Browse Windows in Windows 7
13. How to Quickly Arrange Icons in Windows 7
14. How to Quickly Create a New Instance of a Program in Windows 7
15. How to Quickly Lock the Screen in Windows 7
16. How to Remove or Add Run Command in Start Menu in Windows 7
17. How to Run an Application as Administrator in Windows 7
18. How to Run An Application As Another User in Windows 7
19. How to Show or Hide the Preview Side Bar in Windows 7
20. How TO Stretch a Window Vertically in Windows 7
21. How To Turn On and Off Security Settings in Windows 7
22. How to Use the App Locker in Windows 7