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The following table describes common search query operators.
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Users can combine search keywords and file properties with operators to broaden or narrow a search. The following table lists the file kinds and offers examples of the AQS syntax used to search for these kinds of files. Users can limit their searches to specific kinds of files, also called file types. For example, if you implemented a protocol handler to include a Lotus Notes data store as "notes," the query syntax would be store:notes. If you have a protocol handler in place to crawl custom stores, like Lotus Notes, you can use the name of the store or protocol handler for the data store. For example, if you use several email accounts, and you want to limit a query to Microsoft Outlook, use store:outlook. Users can limit the scope of their searches to specific folder locations or data stores. "last quarter" author:(john OR joanne) foldername:mydocuments Scope by location and data store Suppose a user wants to search for a document containing the phrase last quarter, created by John or Joanne, and saved to the folder mydocuments. :: Location or data store in which files reside.You can use these optional criteria to refine a search with the following syntax: Desktop search syntaxĪ search query can include one or more keywords, with Boolean operators and optional criteria. The tables describe the syntax to use with WDS, and the properties that can be queried for each file kind displayed in the Windows Desktop Search results window. The remainder of this section explains query syntax, parameters and operators, and how they can be combined to offer targeted search results. File contents: Keywords like project deliverables, AQS, blue suede shoes, and so on.įurthermore, you can combine search parameters by using search operators.File properties: File metadata, such as size, date, and title.File stores: Specific databases and locations.File kinds: File types, such as folders, documents, presentations, pictures, and so on.Searches can be narrowed by the following parameters: Using AQS is an easy way to deliver more meaningful result sets. Microsoft Windows Desktop Search (WDS) uses Advanced Query Syntax (AQS) to help users and programmers better define and narrow their searches. On later releases, use Windows Search instead. Windows Desktop Search 2.x is an obsolete technology that was originally available as an add-in for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.
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