[jeff k]

I created an excel file and then was not sure what I title it. I think it was pocket cameras.

So spotlight cannot find it, but easyfind can.

I use spotlight more, maybe I shouldn't?

It's just two folders deep. Hardrive, folder, folder then a file called POCKET CAMERAS FULL SIZE SENSOR,

I type pocket camera into spotlight, nothing. I'm Confused.

[besson3c]

Do you have Spotlight set to not search in any folders? Do you have Spreadsheets enabled in your Spotlight preferences? Spotlight *may* only search for stuff in your home directory, you might want to try putting it in there. Can I ask why this isn't in your home directory anyway? I would put all of your personal files there.

[jeff k]

thanks B, ok, spotlight is set to search everywhere.
And it is searching everywhere, including the external hard drive where this file is.

[besson3c]

I don't know, you might try having Spotlight regenerate its index...

[jeff k]

Ah, I remember that from another thread, very draining - I guess it should be a maintenance thing I do every year?

My notes say take my main hardrive to privacy and add it that indexes? How does that work? kind of counter intuitive.

[turtle777]

As an option, there are terminal commands that force a rebuilt.

Google "Spotlight index rebuild terminal", it should come up with stuff.

-t

[jeff k]

thanks T, I have terminal notes too, but the first way is easier no? just dont' remember it that well or understand it. The whole thing though I don't get why I have to tell Apple to re-index afresh.

[besson3c]

Originally Posted by jeff k 

Ah, I remember that from another thread, very draining - I guess it should be a maintenance thing I do every year?

No, Unix-based computers don't need maintenance. Do this when/if it needs it.

[jeff k]

Going in circles, if don't need maintenance when why do I have to manually tell Apple that spotlight is not working and re index? crazy no?

and what is the privacy procedure again? don't get how that works but I guess it does.

[besson3c]

Originally Posted by jeff k 

Going in circles, if don't need maintenance when why do I have to manually tell Apple that spotlight is not working and re index? crazy no?

and what is the privacy procedure again? don't get how that works but I guess it does.

Weird stuff happens with computers, but there is no point in blocking off time for tasks that account for anomalous events like this, because being anomalous chances are this won't happen on a reoccurring basis.

[jeff k]

ok B I agree, but real frustrating cause, you search for something and is Spotlight off? not working right, you don't know... this does seem to be a real problem with spotlight no?
Put my hardrive into privacy, but what happens, I don't see a sign of new indexing.

[besson3c]

Spotlight: How to re-index folders or volumes

[jeff k]

thanks B, yeah that's what I did, weird, no confirmation anything happens, but I appreciate that link.

[besson3c]

Doesn't it show the indexing progress when you click on your Spotlight icon in your menubar?

[jeff k]

Yes, B, good point again. that is the confirmation!