I know how to create a desktop shortcut to SEARCH, and I know that Windowskey+F will produce that same effect, but there must surely be a way to get a direct link to SEARCH - FOR FILES AND FOLDERS. A shortcut, batch file or a macro ? Basty

I don't know, but you if you don't mind changing all of your search windows to be the files and folders search, then you can simply click on the "Change preferences" link in the search window and select "Change preferences for files and folders."

This looks like the answer I have been looking for. I'll report back ! Basty

Klint I found the 'change preferences' option you refered to, but I can NOT (see how to) change my preference to Search pointing ALWAYS (or only) to 'Files and Folders'. Did I miss something ? ['Files and Folders' is the default in WinMe] Basty

Sorry I was a bit vague. Here are the steps. 1. In the search pane, click on Change Preferences. 2. Click on Files and Folders Search Behaviour. 3. Select Advanced and click on OK. By the way, I'm using XP Pro SP2. I don't know if it exactly the same on other variants of XP.

Yes, that works wonderfully even if only for 'Start Menu' (as distinct from 'Classic Start Menu'). Thank you again. And it works in SP3 Basty