How can I use *.* in the Windows 7 search filter?

Why in the world can I not use *.* in Windows 7 search? All I want to do is return all the files in all the sub-directories in one location so I can sort by dimensions. Any one know how to return all files in a Windows search?

Sam

Posted 2011-01-16T02:35:05.650

Reputation: 133

Answers

Try searching for ~* in the directory that you want to search.

The Tilde (~) lets you use the old DOS search syntax. The asterisk (*) means "return everything".

You could also use type:NOT"file folder" which would exclude the listing of all the folders but show all files.

Some sources for advanced query syntax:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb266512%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa965711%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/desktopsearch/technicalresources/advquery.mspx

James T

Posted 2011-01-16T02:35:05.650

Reputation: 8 515

Awesome, the ~* worked perfectly. Thanks a lot. – Sam – 2011-01-16T04:20:46.577

@perlox Hi perlox. Glad I could help! Please mark the answer with a check mark to indicate that your question has been answered. – James T – 2011-01-16T04:25:36.167

Oops sorry, almost forgot. Thanks for the reminder :P – Sam – 2011-01-16T08:04:53.413

I'm pretty sure just a ! will return everything in a given folder you're searching from.

rainabba

Posted 2011-01-16T02:35:05.650

Reputation: 256

You should verify your answer. – Ramhound – 2017-04-13T23:23:29.503

Not sure what you're looking for, but I assure you that I tested (and researched to confirm) before posting the answer. Shall I provide screenshots? Is there an issue you've found with this approach? – rainabba – 2017-04-14T23:45:55.007