Searching files on your PC using the default search in Windows takes lot of time. The latest versions of Windows i.e Vista and Windows 7 have been designed for faster searching using the advanced file indexing technique. But, one of the main drawbacks of file indexing is that it runs in the background and uses a lot of system resources, thereby slowing down your PC.

Locate32 is a free application that can quickly search files on your computer by making use of databases. The information about the directory structures are stored in databases and are used in searches. Locate32 can handle file searching faster than Windows Vista and Window 7′s file indexing.

You can download a copy of Locate32 at http://locate32.net/content/view/18/31/.

Installing Locate32

After downloading Locate32, run it to start the installation.

i. In the beginning, the installer will prompt you to choose the destination directory for Locate32. Choose the destination you want and click on Next.

ii. You will be asked as to which components should be installed on your PC. Choose the components you want and click on Next. If you are unsure of which to install, leave all the components checked.

iii. The next form will display the shortcut settings. You can set it according to your needs or leave it as it is and click the Next button.

iv. The last form shows you some additional options. Select the ones that apply to you and click Finish.

After the completion of the installation, click OK.

Configuring Locate32

To configure Locate32, navigate to the destination directory and run Locate32.exe. The Locate32 interface (as shown below) will open.

Since we are using the software for the first time, we need to update the database before searching.

To update all the databases, select File > Update Databases. This will update all your databases.

To update individual databases, select File >Update Database > ‘Name of the database’.

Once the databases are updated you can start searching files on your PC. Locate32 enables you to search for files according to the file name, extension, file size, and also the date the file was modified, created or accessed. You also have advanced options such as match whole name, search text within files etc.

Searching files on External Hard Disk or Flash Disk

You can also use Locate32 to search files on your external hard disk or flash disk. But, before you do this you need to create a new database for your external disk or you can add it to your existing database.

Go to Options > Settings. In the Settings window, click on the Databases tab.

To add your external disk to the existing database, select the database and click on Edit. The Database dialog box will open. Under the Include sub-heading, click on Custom and select the drives you want to add.

To create a new database, click on New. The database dialog box will open. Enter the name, file and other information. Under the Include sub-heading, click on Custom and select your external disk.

Update the databases for the changes to take place. You can now enjoy fast searching on your Windows using Locate32.

Similar Programs

UltraSearch – UltraSearch searches for files on your PC and provides the results within just a few seconds. It uses the Master File Table (MFT) of the NTFS partitions to provide faster search results. Master File Table is the place where information about all the files and folders located on the computer are stored. UltraSearch provides almost real-time results. You can download UltraSearch at www.jam-software.de.

Search GT – Search GT is a fast file search add-on for Windows. It looks very similar to the native windows search tool. Search GT too does not use file indexing technique, thereby uses less system resources. It directly reads the file system, bypassing Windows libraries which are normally used for enumerating files. Hence, it finds your files quickly and makes sure that they are always up-to-date.