Q: Every time I download a file, my computer saves it but I am never able to find it. Can you help?
A: There is a Search feature in Windows that will help locate your lost files. Before you start the download it is always helpful to note the name of the file you are downloading before you click the ‘Save’ button. This way you can search for that file name.

 

Here’s how to use the Search feature in Windows:

1. Click the Start button

2. Click ‘Search’

-If you are using Windows XP you are asked “What do you want to search for?”

-At this point you have a few options. You can select to find:

*Pictures, music, or video

*Documents (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) I found that this option excludes Adobe Acrobat files.

*All files or folders

*Computers or people

3. Click ‘All files or folders’

4. Click 'More Advanced Options'

5. Check 'Search Hidden Files and Folders'

6. Type in the name of your document (or at least a part of it) into the  ‘Enter all or part of the document name:’ field

7. Click ‘Use advanced options’ to ensure Windows is doing a thorough search

-In the ‘Look in:’ field

8. Select ‘Local hard drives (C:)’ or select your network drive/folder from the drop-down list

9. Click Search

All files that match what you entered in the All or Part of the File Name field are listed in the Search window.

 

To find the specific folder where that file is currently located:

1. Right Click on the File in the Search window

2. Select ‘Open containing folder’

 

You can also move the file to a different location

1. Select the file

2. Edit > Cut,

3. Locate a new destination folder (Like your Desktop or My Documents for easier reference)

4. Edit > Paste

 

Not sure of the name? Then try this:

In step 3 enter ‘*.___’ and one of the file extensions below:

Word = .doc

WordPerfect = .wpd

Word Template = .dot

WordPerfect Template = .wpt

Excel = .xls

Excel Template = .xlt

PowerPoint = .ppt

Adobe Acrobat = .pdf

QuickBooks = .qbw

Quicken = .qdf