I recently had an inquiry from a customer who was disappointed that SOLIDWORKS would not present files that they knew existed in the search results when queried. This result was the same if the user was within SOLIDWORKS or using the file search within the open dialog.
Searching for files in the SOLIDWORKS Open dialog
As it turns out, the SOLIDWORKS file search is closely tied with the regular windows file search — which in-turn is a reflection of the folders and files have been indexed by the windows indexing service.
Modify the folders that are being indexed
You can correct this by modifying the folders within your system that are indexed by Windows. To access the indexing options, navigate through your control panel to find the indexing options icon, or simply type “Indexing” within the windows start menu search.
Indexing Options
You will then be presented with the various options for configuring the indexing search on the system.
Indexing Locations
Once the folders containing your SOLIDWORKS files have been selected for indexing, SOLIDWORKS will be able to populate any of the search windows with files that share the same name or characteristics as your desired search.
Please be aware that adjusting the indexing options to a broad scope (C:\ for example) may have an adverse affect on performance. Exercise caution and plan ahead when getting ready to make these types of adjustments on your system.
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