The Simplest Way To Search For Text Within Files

Ever wanted to search for text strings within a bunch of files? For example I would like to find out all the files in my harddisk that contains the word 'google' in their contents (not just the file name) it will be impossible to use the default Windows search.

I've tried numerous freeware + paid solutions which claims to do this.. The free solutions do work, but they only supports 'text' format files such as .TXT, .HTML, .PHP (those that could be opened with Notepad) but not Word Documents, Excel, PDF files and the like. Here's one that I found which does the job right and supports all popular file formats, its search algorithm is very good as it can find your files in no time at the same time uses very little system resources.

The program is called Effective File Search, it offers a 30-days trial which is more than enough to get a good sense of what it has to offer before buying the full version.

1) First, set the folder you wish to search, uncheck 'Include subdirectories' if you don't wish to search within the sub-folders in that folder itself.

2) Next, click on 'Containing text' tab, type in the text you wish to find for example 'google', and click 'Search'.

3) All files that contain the word 'google' in their contents will be shown instantly.

If you wish to get the full version, please use this link: Buy it now so that I could get a commission and to support my website. 

For corporate users or educational institutions, please take a look at the Official Product Info Website and click on 'Corporate Users: read about benefits of the program' for more info on various discount offers. They offer volume discount prices as well.

End Note:

At the time of writing I could not find a freeware alternative that offers the same features to this great program. If anyone has a freeware solution please let me know by leaving a comment here or contact me.

I found a freeware alternative which supports text files, but it doesn't support microsoft word, pdf and the like. Check it out if you're interested.