Finder not finding files on external hard drive

[leishie]

Recently the finder application stopped finding certain types of files on an external drive. The external drive (WD 80GB) is recognised and I have access to all files, however, when I search for specific files in the finder window it wont find pdf, txt, doc files. It does find picture files such as jpg. I have tried using the drive on my laptop (snow leopard) and macmini (leopard) and have the same problem.

Thanks for any advice

 

[Pax]

Is it possible that you have Spotlight set up not to index the external drive?

System Preferences > Spotlight > Privacy

If the external drive is in that list, Spotlight will not index it, which might mean searching in the finder won't find it

 

[leishie]

I have checked the preferences and its not on the privacy list.

The finder does find some files on the drive. I thought it was only image files but it appears to be finding all files except those in one folder. Everything appears to be normal under the settings for that folder (ie. its not locked).

Thanks

 

[cam970]

You can search an external drive by changing finder preference options in the advanced tab from search this mac to search the current folder. Worked for me!

 

[lithoart]

cam970's solution worked for me! I'm sooo happy!

Go to Preferences for Finder, and then go to Advanced icon.
On When performing a search:, make sure you select "Search This Mac"

Worked for me!

I'm so happy!!!
Have been missing this capability for ages.
And since I used it extensively before, I am extremely pleased to have found this solution.

Thanks, cam970!