Multimedia: Using an Asterisk Wildcard Slows Searches (139530)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Bookshelf 1996-97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Bookshelf 98 for Windows
  • Microsoft Bookshelf 99
  • Microsoft Bookshelf 2000
  • Microsoft Encarta 1994 The Complete Multimedia Encyclopedia
  • Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia for Windows
  • Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia for Windows
  • Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 97 Deluxe for Windows
This article was previously published under Q139530

SYMPTOMS

When you use the asterisk (*) wildcard character in an advanced search, the search process takes an extremely long time to complete.

CAUSE

Wildcard searches using the asterisk character are supported in many multimedia programs. However, if you type an asterisk followed by the text you are searching for, the search takes much longer because the query must search through hundreds of thousands of words to find the words ending with the text you specified.

RESOLUTION

To avoid long waiting times for search results, enclose the text you are searching for in quotation marks, or use the following search operators:
  • And
  • Or
  • Not
  • Near

MORE INFORMATION

If you search for words that start with the text you enter, the search process is much faster.

For detailed information on how to search for text or keywords, please see the Search topic in the program's online Help.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/24/2003
Keywords:kbprb kbui KB139530
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