But all is not lost. In Windows 95 you can create custom file lists that filter files by one or more extensions, by date or even by content. And unlike File Manager, the custom list you build isn't limited to a single folder. Where has this feature been hiding? In the Find command.

Here's how to create a custom file list. Choose Start--Find--Files or Folders (in Explorer or My Computer, just press <F3>). Use wild cards (? for a single character, * for multiple characters) to type in the criteria for the files you want, as shown in the screen picture. Separate multiple file types with a comma, a space or both -- for example, Oct*.xls, Nov*.doc, *.txt. Underneath, type the path to search in -- a single drive or folder. Be sure to uncheck Include subfolders if you don't want any folders within your target to be searched.

If you're searching for a particular file type that Windows understands, you don't have to worry about typing extensions in the Named box; just click the Advanced tab and choose a type from the Of type drop-down list. While you're there you can narrow your search by specifying files that contain a certain text string, or files that are a certain size. To narrow the search to the dates on which the files were last changed, click the Date Modified tab and specify the dates. When you're done, click Find Now.

To keep this list handy for future use, select Options from the menu, and make sure there's a check mark next to Save Results. Then choose File--Save Search. Find the resulting file on your Windows desktop, and store it in a convenient place -- you can even drop it on the Start button if you want to open the list from your Start menu.

When the list is open, you can use the results window to do any file management you need. You might even want to organise work for certain projects this way. You can perform almost all the same functions as you would in Explorer, except that you can't drag files into this window -- only out, for copying or moving to other folders within Explorer. And unlike in Explorer, the list will not be updated automatically; you'll have to do that task yourself by clicking Find Now.
- Scott Dunn