Windows 7 Search Connector for a Network Drive

[hsk1313]

Hi,

I would like some information about using the Windows 7 Search Connector for a Network Drive and not for internet. I have found many blogs on line but they all talk about the using the Search Connector for a Website/SharePoint site, but none for a network drive.

Thus would like to know is its possible to use the Search Connector for a local network drive. If yes, then how should the .OSDX file be?

[zsa]

I cannot try this practically because I don't have Windows 7 to play around with, but I would think that it is possible

Assuming that the basic template of the OSDX would look like something like this

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<OpenSearchDescription xmlns="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearch/1.1/">
<ShortName>Name of Connector</ShortName>
<Description>Description of Connector</Description>
<Url type="application/rss+xml" template="[RSS Search Feed URL]" />
</OpenSearchDescription>

From what I found online, what you could do is, you can use symbolic link to add a network folder. For example, replacing a folder called DataFiles by a link with:

mklink /d "%userprofile%\DataFiles" \\172.16.1.1\DataFiles[/code]

Code:
rd /S /Q "%userprofile%\DataFiles"
mklink /d "%userprofile%\DataFiles" \\172.16.1.1\DataFiles

You can create a new symbolic link and add this new link into a library.



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Also, I think Aviraj might be in a better position to help as I was introduced to the concept during the new features of Windows 7 presentation by Ashwin in October 2009 when Aviraj elaborated on the OSDX file topic after someone in the audience wanted to know

Try it and let us know of the outcome

=====================================

Resources on Microsoft.com and MSDN

1. Also download the Windows 7 Federated Search Provider Implementer’s Guide from Microsoft

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=C709A596-A9E9-49E7-BCD4-319664929317&displaylang=en

2. Federated Search in Windows at MSDN

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd742958(VS.85).aspx

[hsk1313]

I have tired couple of steps but the search connector is not working... Its not an issue in creating a search connector but creating a correct one...

Have even tried the Windows Desktop Search: Add-in for Files on Microsoft Networks, but still didn't had an option to search the network.

However, if I am at a network share I can search it using the search function(top right search box) in Windows 7 which works like a charm. But the concern is to be able to search a network share right from the desktop without going to that location.

Let me know if any one has any inputs on this...