If you are using Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Desktop Search 3.1, then you should install a small update to the search program. The “2007 Office System Converter: Microsoft Filter Pack” will allow Windows Desktop Search to index the new file formats in Office 2007 – .DOCX, .XLSX, .PPTX and the rest.
You’re using Office 2007 if the programs have the new ribbon toolbar across the top.
Windows Vista includes Windows Desktop Search 3.1 – you should install the update.
If you have Windows XP, then you’re running Windows Desktop Search 3.1 if you have this toolbar down next to the icons in the lower right corner of the screen.
Download the filter pack from this page. Most of you will download and install “FilterPack86.exe”.
There’s a tantalizing reference on the Microsoft page about the filter pack. There’s a list of programs that work with the filter pack, including “Windows Desktop Search 3.1, Windows Search 4.” A year ago there was some speculation about Windows Search 4 – even a screenshot – but nothing since then, until this passing reference. Hmmm . . .
