Advanced Searching 201 (including Microsoft's KB)
Last Updated: 08 Dec 2003
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*** PLEASE NOTE: Link(s), If Provided, May Be Wrapped ***
It would appear that many folks have problems navigating
through Microsoft's knowledgebase as well as general
difficulty with finding information on the Internet.
IMO, the best links for searching their Microsoft's
Knowledgebase are:
• http://msdn.microsoft.com/
• http://search.support.microsoft.com/
• http://www.microsoft.com/technet/
• http://www.microsoft.com/windows/
• http://www.microsoft.com/
• http://www.google.com/
One good technique is to make your original search as
broad search, using as few KEYWORDS as possible. When
dealing with Microsoft's search engines, in particular,
it is a good idea to ensure that the SEARCH CRITERIA is
initially set to "All Words" rather than "Exact Phrase".
If the first search does not return the information you
were looking for, look to see the KEYWORDS of the
articles which are closest to your problem, and see if
there is a KEYWORD mentioned that you are not using,
that might provide you with better hits.
When looking for information concerning EventLog entries,
try searching for the Event # alone (e.g. "5711"), or you
can search for a portion of the error message that is
fairly unique (e.g. "PARTIAL SYNCHRONIZATION REQUEST FROM
THE SERVER"). Add or remove KEYWORDS as necessary...
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REMEMBER: If one phrase doesn't work, try alternate
phrases, or try using the same words in an
alternate tense.
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With few exceptions, you should be able to get relevant
info within 4 search attempts. Here are some other
techniques to help you in your searches:
MICROSOFT SEARCH TECHNIQUES
• http://support.microsoft.com/?KBID=250581
• http://support.microsoft.com/?KBID=249022
• http://support.microsoft.com/?KBID=279016
• http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/messages/
• http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/devprods/vs6/visualc/vccore/_core_find_microsoft_knowledge_base_articles_on_database_topics.htm
INTERNET SEARCHES
Much of the above information is applicable to generic
Internet Search Engines. I favor Copernic and WebFerret
for metasearches, but there are many options.
SEARCH ENGINES
• Copernic2000 ........... http://www.copernic.com/
• WebFerret .............. http://www.ferretsoft.com/
• Google ................. http://www.google.com/
• WhatIs ................. http://www.whatis.com/
METASEARCH SITES
• TruGeek.com ............ http://trugeek.com/Search/Micheal/
OTHER SEARCH INFO
• http://www.pcmag.com/print_article/0,3048,a=108625,00.asp
• http://forums.delphiforums.com/maximumFAQ/messages?msg=60.1
• http://www.dqsd.net/ (preface MSKB searches with "MSK:")
PERSONAL NOTES
• My favorite search tool is Copernic Pro, and my
favorite search site is Google (especially with
the Google Search Bar)
• The Windows XP Help system is outstanding. Not only
is it easy to navigate, but it possess a good search
engine, and it will actually bring back MS KB articles
on your search, in addition to local search info.
• Although the MS search engine is still a bit feeble
the recent upgrade has made it far more manageable
than before. Using Google or Dave's Searchbar is
a good way to search MSKB content.