[NuMystic]

Using spotlight from the menu bar and from the finder window is not returning files and folders in the Macintosh HD/Library that I KNOW are there.

I know that certain folders like Applications can be indexed by ticking their box in the Spotlight preferences window, but what about the rest?

For example, I wanted to quickly bring up jpegs I had placed in the Desktop Pictures folder, but spotlight won't even show the folder, let alone the files within it.

Same for Documentation, InputManagers, Preferences, etc.

Is this a "feature" meant to keep search result numbers down, a bug in my system alone, or simply a default setting that can be changed?

Unless I'm crazy, I'm almost certain I recall bringing up files from my preferences folder using the finder window search field under Tiger.

Thanks in advance for your help and insights!

[TETENAL]

File->Search in Finder

In the search window click the ⊕ button, then in the criterium popup menu select "Other...". Scroll to "System files". If you want to search for these files regularly you can also choose to add this to the criterium popup menu so it's easier to select. Then set "System files" to "included".

Spotlight will now include all system files (including those in your Libary) in its search results.

[NuMystic]

That did the trick!

This forum puts apple's own support discussion board to shame.

Thank you so much for the quick reply!

[Hal Itosis]

Also (besides including System files), if we "happen to" start our search from
a Library folder Finder window... then, Spotlight will "happen to" include items
from that Library (without our needing to specify the 'System files' criteria).

It makes sense... I guess?

[CLE]

How does one add the systeme files to the criterium popup menu so it's easier to select next time?

In the search window click the ⊕ button, then in the criterium popup menu select "Other...". Scroll to "System files". If you want to search for these files regularly you can also choose to add this to the criterium popup menu so it's easier to select. Then set "System files" to "included".

Spotlight will now include all system files (including those in your Libary) in its search results.[/QUOTE]

[analogika]

Click the little checkboxes next to the criteria you want included.