Hard Drive File Search Tools 3

[Sparweb]

At work we have a library of reference data, which all of our 30+ engineers can access and refer to as they work.
It contains design manuals, regulatory guidance, vendor datasheets, industry standards, etc. The library has the following approximate dimensions:
120 GB, 170,000 files, 7200 folders
It grows significantly every year.
I have found that newer members of our engineering staff, not familiar with our knowledge base, have trouble using it.
For our younger engineers, it is a matter of believing the information exists and/or that we could possible know something that Google doesn't.
For our older engineers, like me, when things are stored on a path I wouldn't expect to follow, I have trouble finding other people's additions.

There was a time that Google Toolbar could be used to search and efficiently find information in the library, but GT has gone by the wayside.
To find things now, we rely on a rough system of organization... and the horrible windows search bar above the folder viewer.

I've been looking at file search tools and found some candidates - but I thought I'd ask if Eng-Tips members have any recommendations before I commit?
"Copernic" and "UltraFileSearch" are the two contenders I like.


STF

 

[IDS]

IFRs - Have you tried recently? The initial indexing still takes a long time, but once it is complete (a couple of days, if I recall correctly) I literally never notice indexing activity.

Regarding file managers, I use Total Commander (a graphic interface cone of Norton Commander) for everything, except searching. For a search on file content, or even a file name, the indexed search using Windows File Explorer is way quicker, and with the enlarged quick preview window it also allows a quick identification of those files that actually have the content you are looking for.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services

http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

 

[Sparweb]

Before going to bed last night, I saw that the indexing has stopped. Offical file count on my library hard-disk is 439,129 files.
It's gonna be a while before I catch up to IRStuff (unless you're indexing your OS boot hard-disk, which wouldn't be a fair comparison).


STF