Windows 10: Not able to search for Excel content in Explorer

We have a file server Windows Server 2012 R2 on which we have files. We have a kind of Terminal Server that runs on Windows Server 2019, here I can search for the share in the explorer in the explorer. https://i.imgur.com/LphqseU.png

Indexing Options on Terminal Server: https://i.imgur.com/rzosr75.png
Folder options in the explorer: https://i.imgur.com/JVc4VnF.png


However, if we do the same on a workstation Windows 10 Pro 10.0.19041 as in the first screenshot, no results will come up, the strange thing is that when we do this with a .txt file based on content, there will be results . Word and .pdf files also come up where the content matches.

This is a similar situation and have followed everything written here but unfortunately this is not the solution:
- https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2201614-unable-to-search-content-within-excel-documents-stored-on-server-2016
- https://www.mcbsys.com/blog/2012/12/index-microsoft-office-files-for-windows-search-on-server-2012/

:)

 

Search Content of MHT files

Hi David,

Most probably, this is a problem with the search and indexing of your Windows 10 computer. For us to provide the best resolution possible, we would like to clarify the following:

• Are you trying to search the content of MHT files using Cortana?
• Have you tried searching it using the File Explorer?
• Are you using a third-party app to search for the content of MHT files?

As an initial troubleshooting step, we suggest that you run the troubleshooter for search and indexing. To run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter, follow these steps:

• Click the Start button and select the Settings
  icon.
• Choose Update & Security from the list.
• Click Troubleshoot in the left pane of the window.
• Under Find and fix other problems.
• Select Search and Indexing and click Run the troubleshooter.

We'll keep an eye out for your response.

 

setting default view for Winodws Explorer Search Reasults

Thank you for the detailed response. To change the search result's view from content to list, we suggest following the steps below:

• Open the File Explorer and try to search for files.
• In the toolbar, open the View tab and click List
  to change the view.
• Once changed, close the File Explorer.
• Open the File Explorer again and try to search to see if the setting has been retained.

After performing the steps above, reply back to us so we can provide additional help.

 

Searching Excel file contents

It's OK. I'm an eejit. I've realised I've spent hours needlessly changing my file explorer and index setting for no reason.

The reason that it cannot search the content of my Excel documents is because;

*drum roll*

The files are password protected.

However, a workaround that I have found was to do the search via SharePoint. This still searches the content and displays search results, even if the file/folder is password protected.

Maybe this will be helpful for someone.