No files were found to look in.

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No files were found to look in. 

This error generally occurs when a file name or directory has been specified in the Look in list and that file name or directory does not exist or cannot be found. This error can also appear if you specify a valid directory that does not contain the file extension specified in the File types list or the directory specified does not contain any files.

To correct this error

  1. Use the Custom Directory Set dialog box to browse to the directory or file name to search rather than typing in the path or file name. You can access the Custom Directory Set dialog box by choosing the ellipsis button next to the Look in list.

  2. Change the file extension specified in the File types list to *.* to search all files in the specified directory.

See Also

Community Content

alankdkd
Stupid non-standard delimiter
I had the same problem when I entered the extensions separated by COMMAS.  Nope, the stupid GUI requires SEMICOLONS to be used to separate file extensions:  *.cpp; *.h; *.c

FredHeb1
2011 - I have this problem
Ctrl + Scroll does not solve the problem neither alt+break...

I am working with VS 2005. Please fix that...

galllllllllllllll
Control + Scroll Lock fixed the problem
Control + Scroll Lock fixed the problem

Sandor Drieenhuizen
Why this error may be raised in the first place
I'm under the impression that the error is raised when doing a file search after having tried to stop a build operation by pressing Control+Break but the build process having actually being completed (without me noticing) and the application starting up already.

galllllllllllllll
Ctl+Scroll Lock works for me!

Thanks!!!!


Xentrax [Vyacheslav Lanovets]
Ctrl+ScrollLock works always
So, if it does not work then there is a more obvious reason for the problem. Like Subfolders checkbox not set or wrong file filter.

BobAck
The reason Ctrl + ScrollLock works
http://blogs.msdn.com/oldnewthing/archive/2008/02/11/7596539.aspx

RichardGunkersoneyville
this seems a bit ridiculous
what's the root cause here? why has this bug survived so many years through so many versions? Why would "find" ever depend on the state of these keys?

Neel83
Ctrl + ScrollLock fixed for me, VS 2005
Thanks a lot..i was really tense coz i can't work without this.....really odd.. seems like it is VS cheat code.

eleezeeum
Ctrl+ScrollLock fixed it in VS 2008 Standard
Whatever that is!!

davetheguru
Alt Break worked for me, in VS2008 Express
This problem still exists in VS 2008! - Alt + Break fixed it for me, instead of Ctl + Scroll Lock. Would someone at Microsoft please fix this bug - its been around for about 10 years now...


Matt_FL
ctl + scroll lock worked for me
The combination "ctl + scroll lock" did the trick for me in VS 2005! Wow odd solution, but it works so I'm happy.

dbates
Try Alt + Break instead
Control + Scroll Lock didn't work for me in VS 2005, but the Alt + Break did the trick. Credit goes to a comment on the above mentioned blog. Talk about an obscure fix. That was odd.

QuiteGood001
What is the definition of CONTROL+SCROLL LOCK
I have seen many posts telling the solution is CONTROL + SCROLL LOCK but I have been unable to find anything that tells what CONTROL + SCROLL LOCK is supposed to do. Does anybody know what this hotkey's definition is?

jgoeke
Still not working...
What about when you have selected a path and specified *.* as the extension and the search STILL returns "No files were found to look in."  What is wierd is if I select "Entire Solution" or any of the other options, the search works fine, it simply won't work when a path is specified.....

DrX
'No files were found to look in": Find in Files IDE Problem

This one will make you chuckle: to fix this error, make sure your IDE has focus and press.. wait for it.. Ctrl+Scroll Lock. I'll say that again.. Ctl+Scroll Lock.
Better believe it.

Credit goes to:

http://blogs.ugidotnet.org/franny/archive/2005/12/08/31303.aspx

 

DrX