Use proper search - Windows Tweaks

Use proper search

By default, Windows XP hides a bunch of files from the search engine. It also uses a plasticine-looking dog called the "Search Companion" that you'll want to get rid of post haste.

1. Open Windows Explorer, and hit F3 to open the search panel
2. Click the Change preferences link, and then the Without an animated screen character link
3. Click Change preferences again, then click Change files and folders search behavior link and select the Advanced option, then click OK
4. Expand the newly seen More advanced options section by clicking on it, and make sure Search system folders, Search hidden files and folders and Search subfolders is selected to get the best possible search results