How do I find/locate system files?

[doctapeppa]

Hello.

I love spotlight, but I need to find some system files.

On linux I use "locate" to find anything via command line. I see that locate is installed on my Mac but invoking it does not always find what I am looking for I thought that maybe I need to update the database but $ sudo slocate -u gives me a command not found error.

Is there a cool apple trick to finding files that I know are right in front of my face?

 

[xUKHCx]

In terminal the command mdfind is the Spotlight process and running a command using that might find the file.



In Finder

Yup there is but it's still pretty annoying. Apple should have it on by default.

Step 1: Go to the Finder Search (Command + F or File > Find)

Step 2: Click on the "Kind" drop-down menu and click on other.
Note: If you don't see this pop up button, then make click on the "+" button right after Save.

Step 3: You'll see a dialog pop up and find System files. Once there, select the checkbox. Now go back to the search Window by clicking on the OK button.

Step 4 Make sure that the System files is selected in the first drop down menu. Now proceed to the Second drop down menu and select "include".

Now you can search for all your system files but don't expect for this to work with spotlight. Furthermore, you'll have to manually do this every time (only step 4 actually) you wish to search for something in your system. Hope this helps!

 

[doctapeppa]

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you.

 

[cekim]

Hello.

I love spotlight, but I need to find some system files.

On linux I use "locate" to find anything via command line. I see that locate is installed on my Mac but invoking it does not always find what I am looking for I thought that maybe I need to update the database but $ sudo slocate -u gives me a command not found error.

Is there a cool apple trick to finding files that I know are right in front of my face?

Have you tried the UNIX find command? It has a bit of an awkward syntax but I use it all the time to find stuff:

find [directory in which to look] -name [name of file you're looking for]

For example to find all .svn directories in your home directory:

find ~/ -name ".svn"