How to Search for Files

You can use the Search feature in the Files Panel to find specific files or types of files. This may be useful if, for example, you need to track down a known virus on your network or when you want to configure an application that Cherwell Asset Management didn't automatically recognize.

Getting There

You can search for a file using whatever information you have about it. Example: Search by name, type, path, whether it was launched, whether it is configured or unconfigured, a close match or an exact match, and when it was first inventoried or metered. Select or icons, or the scroll bar, to see more search options.

You can search for a file using one or more of the following options:

  • File name: Enter the file name, or as much of the file name as you know. You can use ? (question mark) and * (asterisk) wildcards. For example, if you type den*.exe in the File name field, Cherwell Asset Management returns a list of all executable files whose names start with "den".
  • Path: Enter the path where you think the files you need may reside. You can use ? (question mark) and * (asterisk) wildcards. For example, if you type C:\Program Files (x86)\* in the Path field, Cherwell Asset Management returns any files that meet the criteria and are located in the C:\Program Files (x86) folder and in any of its subfolders. If you didn't use the asterisk in the above example, you'd only find the relevant files in the C:\Program Files (x86) folder itself.
    The _ (underscore) character is treated as a special character by SQL. In order to find files that contain underscores in their names, you need to place [ and ] (square brackets) characters around any underscore in any file or path string you enter in the File Search area.
  • Search these file categories: Specify the category of file to search for. You must select at least one of these categories before you can run a search. You can select multiple file categories.
    • Unconfigured: Files that are executable, but not yet configured into license units. This file category is selected by default.
    • Unconfigured exact match: Unconfigured files that exactly match an application in the CSID.
    • Unconfigured close match: Unconfigured files that closely match an application in the CSID.
    • Configured: Executable files that are configured into license units.
    • Configured exact match: Executable files that exactly match an application in the CSID and are configured into license units.
    • Configured close match: Executable files that closely match an application in the CSID and are configured into license units.
    • Don't care: Unless you check this box, files marked as Don't care or I don't care about this file do not show up when searching for unconfigured files.
    • Non-runnable: Non-executable files that you specifically set up to be inventoried by CAM.
If you select More search options, the following choices appear:
  • What machine is it located on?: To search for files on a specific machine, enter the machine name here.
  • What size is it?: By default, this option is set to Any size. To search for files of a specific size, select Exactly in the first list box, then enter a value in the text box. You can also select Greater than or Less than in the first list box, and then enter a value in the text box.
  • Has it been launched?: Specify whether to search for files that were launched, not launched, or both (Doesn't matter). By default, Doesn't matter is selected, which means Cherwell Asset Management searches for both Launched and Not launched files. You should only select Launched if you want to find files that have actually been run and if your organization is licensed to run the metering component to collect launch information.
  • When was it first inventoried or metered?: To search for files based on the date you first inventoried or metered them, select one of these options or enter a range of dates. If you enter a range of dates, be sure to specify the month, day, and year of the start and end dates. By default, Doesn't matter is selected, which means that Cherwell Asset Management searches for files regardless of first inventory or metering dates.
  • Search limit: If the number of files that meet your criteria exceeds this maximum in this text box, you are alerted. You can alter your search criteria to get fewer results, enter another maximum value in the text box, or check the Unlimited check box to return all files that meet the search criteria. You can change the default value for this text box by selecting the Tools menu, then selecting Options. Select the Advanced tab, then modify the value in the Limit file search to [ ] records.

When you've entered all the information you want, select Search. Cherwell Asset Management searches the CAM Database for files that meet the criteria you specified, and displays the results in the right pane.

Once the search is complete, you can right-click any of the found files to open a context-sensitive menu with various options.

Tips:

  • If you don't find the files you expected to find, try broadening your search.
  • Use more options to narrow down your search if you wind up with too many files.
  • To later revisit your search results, go to the left pane in the Files Panel and select the Search results folder to display the most recent search results.