Finder won't locate file in user, library, preferences

It is seen as a hidden/system file by the OS, thus:

To find system files via Finder, that can't be found via Spotlight:

hemmick reef said:

I wanted to locate an Adobe Illustrator preference file in my iMac (OSX 10.8.3) with Finder to back-up.
Thanks.

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The easiest way to get around this is to go to ~/Library (hit cmd+shift+G) go to that folder. Enter the search string and then select Library for the search location.

OSX chooses not to search hidden or system files as Apple doesn't want you in there any ways.

hemmick reef said:

Thanks but I don't seem to have the choice of 'other' can it be accessed elsewhere?

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Strange. Do you have an admin account on the Mac? What about the method maflynn posted? Can you make a screenshot of your Finder search options and attach it to your next post?

hemmick reef said:

I double checked and the file was there. Why can't finder locate it?

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Are you saying that you know the file exists at that filepath, but Finder search (Spotlight) doesn't find it?
As said, Spotlight doesn't find hidden files or system files like prefs unless you tell it to. You need to include system/hidden files in your search, as shown in the videos. Also many websites should show you "how to include system files in a Spotlight search" if you Google it.

hemmick reef said:

I wanted to locate an Adobe Illustrator preference file in my iMac (OSX 10.8.3) with Finder to back-up.

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You're manually backing up individual pref files? Why not just use Time Machine or other automated backup process to backup everything?