Windows 10: EDB index search database file -- can I locate on a removable hard drive?

I just indexed a 2 TB USB-attached, external hard drive on my Windows 10 Enterprise laptop. The indexing was added to the *.edb file located in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Applications. The process increased the size of the "Windows.edb" file by about 4 GB. There is lots of room on the external hard drive, but not much less free space on my C: drive, which is a 300GB SSD. Is there any way to put the indexing info on the drive that is being indexed? I.e. the *.edb file containing indexing info for Drive C: would be located on Drive C:, while the indexing info for Drive D: would be located on Drive D:.


The benefits of this approach would include:

* better use of limited SSD hard drive space

* "portable" index-based searching, e.g. if I plugged the removable drive into another system


Thanks

Mark Lewiecki

:)

 

WINDOWS 10 EDB FILE KEEPS INCREASING

Hi James,

To know the windows update that may fix your issue with .edb files, we would like to know the current specifications of computer.

To know current version and build number of your Windows 10 Computer,
follow the steps below:

• Select the
  Startbutton.
• Type
  About your PC.
• Press
  Enterto find out the version and build number of your Windows 10 PC.

Meanwhile, we could run the built-in troubleshoot tool to have a diagnostic For Search and Indexing issues.
Kindly follow the steps below:

• Type troubleshooting in the Search bar.
• Select Troubleshooting.
• Select View all on the top left corner.
• Click Search and Indexing.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
• Check if issue persists.

If the issue persists, I suggest you to change the index location and check if the large Windows.edb file still exists, Please perform the following steps to move the file:

• Enter Indexing Options into the Search field on the Start Menu.
• Click on Indexing Options.
• Click on Advanced at the bottom.
• Click on Select New and specify a new location for your Windows.edb file.
• Click on OK and wait until Windows restarted.
• Check if issue persists.

Let us know the result after performing the troubleshooting steps and if the issue was left unresolved, kindly get
back to us with the answers to our inquiryso that we can assist you further.

 

External hard drive indexing information lost

Hi,

It would be great if you can provide me with this information for a better understanding.

1. Did you add the external hard drive to the list of locations to be indexed from the Indexing Options?

2. By mentioning “it's registered as an indexed location” do you mean that you have already done this?

If you haven’t added the external hard disk in the Indexing Options, then I would suggest you to follow these instructions and let’s know the result.

a) Press “windows Logo” + “W” keys on the keyboard to display the “Settings” search bar.

b) Type “Indexing Options” in that search box and press “Enter” key on the keyboard.

c) In the “Indexing Options” window, click on “Modify” button.

d) Under “Change selected locations”, select the external hard disk and add it to the indexing location list.

e) If you are unable to find the hard disk drive in that list, then click on “Show all locations” and check if the hard disk is shown up there.

f) Click on “Ok” and then click on “Close”.

Please let me know, if that helps.

You may now check if the issue still happens or not. If the issue persists, you may get back to us with more information about the issue.

Kind Regards:

Engr. Malik Yasir

 

Windows 10 Index locations not all showing up in search

Hello,

There might be some settings missing or corrupted.

I suggest you to follow the methods below and check if it helps:

Method 1:

I suggest you to remove the D drive from the indexing and run the indexing troubleshooter.

Follow these steps to run the troubleshooter:

• 
  Press “Windows key + X” to click on “Control Panel”.
  
• 
  Click on “Troubleshooting” and click on “View all”.
  
• 
  Click on “Search and Indexing” to run the troubleshooter.
  
  Once this is done, restart the computer and check if this helps.
  

Method 2:

Re –build the indexing by adding the D drive and verify the result.

Hope the information helps. Let us know if you need further assistance. We will be happy to help.

Thank you.