From: "Gregg N" 

I agree, the way indexing service is connected to search companion is
broken. It frequently ignores the indexing service even if it is enabled.
It seems not to use it if at the time of the search there are files pending
indexing.

You can reliably use the indexing service by bypassing "search
companion" altogether, directly accessing the indexing service. You
can do this by right-clicking on "My Computer", selecting
"Manage", and then navigating to

Service and Applications
    Indexing Service
        System
            Query the Catalog

This presents a form you can use to enter queries. This is actually very
powerful if you are willing to use the query language syntax. To learn
about this, don't bother clicking "Tips for searching" because
the "Query Syntax" button it presents is broken. Instead choose
Help, Help Topics, and then open "Indexing Service" in the table
of contents.

I don't understand why the new MSN desktop search does not use this
facility instead of implementing its own. The advantage of indexing service
is that since it runs as a service it does not require anyone to be logged
on to do indexing. Additionally, multiple users can share the same index.

Gregg

"John Beckett"  wrote
in message news:42aeb66e.8309027{at}216.144.1.254...
> Hands up everyone who knew that if you want to search for
"widget" in all
> your files using Windows Search, you should search for:
>
> !widget
>
> Note the initial screamer. This assumes you want a fast answer, so you
> have enabled the indexing service.
>
> This is definitely the most stupid and poorly documented software decision
> I have ever seen.
>
> Some useful info:
> http://www.xpsearch.info/
>
> John
>

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