Start Up Screen - Searches

[Speedo1968]

Obviously I am not a techie as you see by the following question.

 

On my start up screen which shows various programs is a folder Acer for my laptop.

In that folder are numerous other folders ( 20 )  including AppData, Contacts, Desktop, Downloads, My Docs, My Videos, Searches etc.

In some folders are other folders but the one I have a question about is the Searches folder.

The Searches folder has 2 folders "Everywhere" and "Indexed Locations".

Within these folders are searches dated even before I bought the laptop.   It doesn't seems to show all searches made.    Thousands of them though.

The size of the files are very small, I am just worried about the history / details that are being kept such as Google logins etc.

 

My questions are:-

# 1 ) What is the difference between the two folders ( "Everywhere" and "Indexed Locations" ?

# 2 ) What is the purpose of these folders in relation to the laptops functioning ?

# 3 ) What searches should be / need to be kept ?

# 3 ) Can I delete either  or both folders records ?

# 4 ) Can I / should I change the settings to either stop searches being saved or restrict what searches are kept ?    If so How ?

 

Would appreciate a very simple reply please.

Thanks in advance.

[Speedo1968]

Would be grateful for at least one reply even if it is rude.

It is a genuine request for assistance.

[johng]

1 not shure
2 they speed up searches
3 none
3.1 yes
4 you can if you want how depends somewhat on what version of Windows you use.

[colinneil]

16 minutes ago, Speedo1968 said:

Would be grateful for at least one reply even if it is rude.

It is a genuine request for assistance.

No point me replying, i was lost after your first question.

[petermik]

7 hours ago, colinneil said:

No point me replying, i was lost after your first question.

Understandable col at your age...........

 

 

[Speedo1968]

3 hours ago, johng said:

1 not shure
2 they speed up searches
3 none
3.1 yes
4 you can if you want how depends somewhat on what version of Windows you use.

Using Win7 out of choice.

Thanks so much for the advice, the files sizes are very small, I was / am more worried about the security side.

[johng]

I don't think there is any "security side"  really   its just an internal windows process..but if a hacker did/does have access then they would be able to see whats been searched for and if they could see that then you'd have a whole lot more to worry about...so basically don't worry.

 

more info on Win 7 search and howto configure it

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Windows-7-Search-File-Contents

[Speedo1968]

21 hours ago, johng said:

I don't think there is any "security side"  really   its just an internal windows process..but if a hacker did/does have access then they would be able to see whats been searched for and if they could see that then you'd have a whole lot more to worry about...so basically don't worry.

 

more info on Win 7 search and howto configure it

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Windows-7-Search-File-Contents

Thanks johng.

One of my concerns would be if I ever had  to put my machine in for repair.

[jenny2017]

My questions are:-

# 1 ) What is the difference between the two folders ( "Everywhere" and "Indexed Locations" ?

The everywhere will search for folders from the whole machine, the indexed ones are particular ones, when you know where something is located.

# 2 ) What is the purpose of these folders in relation to the laptops functioning ?

You can chose to only use one and it wouldn’t do any harm to your notebook.

# 3 ) What searches should be / need to be kept ?

You only have to keep stuff that you’d like to use again. Stuff that you’ve used, changed, or copied elsewhere can be deleted.

# 3 ) Can I delete either  or both folders records ?

You can delete either, or both folders records.

# 4 ) Can I / should I change the settings to either stop searches being saved or restrict what searches are kept ?    If so How ?

You should only save what you want to use, or planning to use in the near future. You’ve got an option that allows you what search results should be “saved”.

 

   Please have a look here it seems that this website has got all answers to your questions: 

http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/windows-10-index-files-improve-search,2-54.html

[Speedo1968]

17 hours ago, jenny2017 said:

My questions are:-

# 1 ) What is the difference between the two folders ( "Everywhere" and "Indexed Locations" ?

The everywhere will search for folders from the whole machine, the indexed ones are particular ones, when you know where something is located.

# 2 ) What is the purpose of these folders in relation to the laptops functioning ?

You can chose to only use one and it wouldn’t do any harm to your notebook.

# 3 ) What searches should be / need to be kept ?

You only have to keep stuff that you’d like to use again. Stuff that you’ve used, changed, or copied elsewhere can be deleted.

# 3 ) Can I delete either  or both folders records ?

You can delete either, or both folders records.

# 4 ) Can I / should I change the settings to either stop searches being saved or restrict what searches are kept ?    If so How ?

You should only save what you want to use, or planning to use in the near future. You’ve got an option that allows you what search results should be “saved”.

 

   Please have a look here it seems that this website has got all answers to your questions: 

http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/windows-10-index-files-improve-search,2-54.html

Many thanks jenny2017 for the comprehensive and easily understood information.

Will save the folder to thumb drive before making changes, then delete all current searches on my laptop and see what happens over a few days.

The link is for Win10, I have Win7 ( from choice ) but it seems it is similar for both versions.

[jenny2017]

57 minutes ago, Speedo1968 said:

Many thanks jenny2017 for the comprehensive and easily understood information.

Will save the folder to thumb drive before making changes, then delete all current searches on my laptop and see what happens over a few days.

The link is for Win10, I have Win7 ( from choice ) but it seems it is similar for both versions.

 

I beg your pardon for the Windows 10 link. Please have a look here, might be easier: