Add "Search everywhere" to search box search results
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#99 Add "Search everywhere" to search box search results
In Windows 7 (and maybe Vista) you have the option to install custom desktop search engine. If you use this feature (e.g. install Copernic Desktop Search) the search box in Start menu will only search in Start menu shortcuts, but a link "Search everywhere" also appears at the bottom of search results list. If you click it, it will forward your search to the custom desktop search engine. This way you can search for documents, pictures, etc. right from the Start menu. Currently, in Classic Shell, you have to select "Search -> Files or folders", then a new window appears where you can do the searching. It would be convenient to have "Search everywhere" item appear in the results list of the serach box. This item would open the desktop search engine window initialized with the query from the search box, thus making searching for documents easier/faster.
How about this - you add a sub-menu item under the SearchBoxItem. You use a command like this "C:\Program Files\Searcheverywhere.exe" "%1".
This item will appear after all search results. If you select it, the exe will be launched with the search text (%1 will be replaced with the contents of the search box).
There is one problem. Currently the menu doesn't show if there are too many results (for example you search for "a"). You can press tab to open the menu regardless, and then you see all results. The problem is that if you have extra "search providers" in the menu, you will have to press Tab before you can use them. There is the opposite problem too - if you search for something that doesn't exist, the menu doesn't show as well.
I need to come up with a satisfactory behavior for these cases before I can start working on the implementation.
The latest version 3.1.0 adds support for registering external search applications like Agent Ransack and Everything.
Well good news for you. Now the latest public beta version of Classic Shell which is available from the home page has full Windows Search integration, including Search Everywhere (called "See More Results"). Try it if you are interested.