Question

I am looking for the option to search for Pictures, music or video like we had in Windows XP. It appears that the option is removed in Windows Vista. How do I search for Pictures, music and videos?

Answer

Although the "Pictures, music or video" search option is non-existent in Windows Vista, search is much more organized in Windows Vista. To accomplish what you want, you use advanced search operators. To search for pictures, music and videos at a stretch, type the following in the Instant Search box.

kind:music OR kind:pictures OR kind:videos

It should list all music, picture and video files present in the search location(s).

For more information on using advanced search operators, read the topic Tips for finding files in the Windows Vista Help and Support. Or visit the following links for information on using advanced search operators in Windows Vista. Once you learn those advanced queries, you'll find the search tool extremely useful.

Windows Vista Help: Tips for finding files (online version of what's in the Windows Help and Support)

Windows Vista Team Blog : Advanced search techniques

Windows Vista and Windows Desktop Search Advanced Query Syntax