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Making the Most out of Windows Index – Part 2

By on November 10, 2009 in Guides, Windows 7 Tools & Tips, Windows 7 User Guide | Comments { 5 }

This is the second in the series concerning Windows 7 Index..

Part 2 will cover these aspects:

  • Rebuilding the Index
  • Changing the Index’s Location
  • Using a Troubleshooter to solve Index Problems

Rebuilding the Index

The Index is relatively maintenance free but there may come a time when you can’t find a particular file. You know it’s there somewhere, but Search lets you down.When this happens it’s time to rebuild the Index.

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. In the Search box, type Indexing options.
  3. When indexing options appears at the top of Search, click it.
  4. When the Indexing Options window opens, click the Advanced button.in 10a4 Making the Most out of Windows Index Part 2
  5. As soon as you do this, the User Account Control (UAC) dialogue box intervenes requesting your permission to continue. Click the OK button.
  6. The Advanced Options window opens.
  7. Click the Rebuild button.
  8. A Warning dialog box opens advising you the rebuilding will take a long time. Click the Ok button for rebuilding to continue.in 12a4 Making the Most out of Windows Index Part 2
  9. Rebuilding commences, indexing all the listed locations commences.

    Note:  You can go about your normal computer activities while this is occurring but the indexing process will slow down. It is a better option to set up the rebuilding when you have no need to use the computer, much as we do when defragmenting the hard drive. Both are late night activities.

  10. When the indexing is complete, Windows displays the Indexing Options window indicating the task is finished.in 14a4 Making the Most out of Windows Index Part 2

Changing the Index’s Location

Should I do this? Well, as a general rule it is wiser not to interfere with Windows default settings. Generally they are a safe bet. However there are some circumstances, when you may need to change the location of the Index such as freeing up space on your hard drive.

If you decide to throw caution to the wind, follow these steps.

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. In the Search box, type Indexing Options.
  3. When you Search opens, select Indexing Options.
  4. The Indexing Options window opens..in 16a14 Making the Most out of Windows Index Part 2
  5. Click the Advanced button.
  6. The User Account Control (UAC) will intervene.
  7. Click the Ok button to proceed.
  8. The Advanced Options window opens. Follow the steps indicated in the next illustration.in 18a 600x5634 Making the Most out of Windows Index Part 2
  9. Windows 7 relocates your Index.

Note: As I’ve never done this I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has fouind it necessary to do this re-location!

Using a Troubleshooter to Solve Index Problems

Sometimes a problem crops up with Windows 7’s Index. Fortunately, there’s a troubleshooter available for solving problems with it.

To access it do the following:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. In the Search box, type index.
  3. When you Search opens, select Find and fix problems with Windows Search.in 19a4 Making the Most out of Windows Index Part 2
  4. The Search and Indexing troubleshooter opens.in 20a4 Making the Most out of Windows Index Part 2
  5. Click the Next button.
  6. Search goes to work looking for problems.
  7. A new window opens listing four possible problems.in 21a4 Making the Most out of Windows Index Part 2
  8. Check the boxes that apply and then click the Next button.
  9. The Troubleshooter goes to work, looking for a solution.